Recruitment Experience: Michelle Kim PC'23

"I knew then that I would feel completely comfortable with ADPi and that they would truly include me as one of their own; even if I had different challenges, the sisterhood would love me all the same."

Hi there!

My name is Michelle and I am a rising senior in ADPi. I joined my sophomore year and I can’t believe time’s gone by so quickly.

As fall recruitment comes along, I wanted to write about my experience rushing ADPi at UCLA. Coming into rush week, I was worried that I wouldn’t quite fit in with everyone else. Though you wouldn’t know by looking at me, I am actually disabled and an ambulatory wheelchair user! This means that I use my wheelchair or walker when my neurological issues flare up. My first year at UCLA was riddled with the challenges of going to a hilly, less accessible campus, and I was scared that my sorority experience would be the same.

When I stepped into the HOP (House of Pi), it didn’t seem so different from the other houses. There were still stairs I worried about, and the house was still built forever ago. But what made it different was the women inside. During the philanthropy round, I talked to a sister two years older than me about how I felt like the Ronald McDonald House Charities was a great fit because I knew how important it was to have a safe space to rest after family is in the hospital. I mentioned that I had my own health issues I struggled with, and she listened with care. Coincidentally, she also had a strong connection to RMHC because she had similar experiences as me! We shared stories and she talked about how ADPi sisters helped her feel supported while still seeing her for the person she was. I knew then that I would feel completely comfortable with ADPi and that they would truly include me as one of their own; even if I had different challenges, the sisterhood would love me all the same.

Going into my final year at UCLA and ADPi, I reflect on that day years ago and feel so grateful that I opened up. Now, as an older sorority sister myself, I hope to share my story so that I can be part of the reason someone else feels comfortable in ADPi and in Greek Life as a whole. I can’t wait to see everyone during the fall and I know that this last year will be just as special as all the others. <3