 Since I was in second grade I dreamed about the day I would go off to college. I always imagined myself going to the local university with my best friends. We would all hangout in our dorm rooms, make friends with the girls in our dorm, and make memories that would last the rest of our lives. As I grew older and went to high school, I began to research what colleges would accept me and give me scholarships for my ACT score. I visited colleges local and afar as I strived to do my very best my last years of high school. The summer before my senior year I visited all of the colleges I applied to. My childhood dreams quickly changed as I discovered there was a world beyond my hometown.
The fall of my senior year I made the decision that I would attend the University of Tennessee of Chattanooga. I did not make the decision lightly: I spent years praying about where I would continue my education. The day I took my campus tour I knew this is where God wanted me. I didn’t know why He wanted me here or how it would end up, but I was willing to listen to His call and see where this new journey would take me. When I arrived on campus in August, I received a huge wake up call. I was now on my own in a new city two hours from home. I knew four people who had graduated from my high school, none of whom I talked to regularly. I had only spoken to my three roommates for a few months over text leading up to move in day. I truly felt alone. My first two months on campus were miserable. I am not the best at making friends. I was nervous about joining any clubs. I joined a Bible study, but I was very timid about getting to know the other girls. One day on campus I received an email from a sorority, Sigma Phi Lambda, about their upcoming recruitment. I remembered visiting their booth during orientation and talking to some of the girls for over an hour. I had never imagined joining a sorority, but I figured I would go to at least hopefully make some friends. I could never dream of what would transpire. Phi Lamb’s recruitment was amazing. The active members were so loving and receiving of the prospective members. Each night included things I loved: testimony, worship, and devotion. I held back a bit because of how homesick I was. I was afraid to commit to anything that may prevent me from going home when I wanted. I prayed and prayed and prayed about it. God kept telling me to join: it would all work out. I ultimately made the decision to join after a weekend at home discussing it with my mom. Fast forward three months: I am officially an active member of Phi Lamb. I am wholly committed to the sorority and my sisters. My big is my absolute best friend. She has helped me so much my first semester of college. I absolutely love my sisters with all my heart. They are some of the strongest and most beautiful girls I’ve ever met. Some of the girls have gone through things I could never imagine going through. We’ve all stumbled and fallen, but we still have one goal: to glorify God and make His name great. If I had not joined Phi Lamb I honestly believe I would have been miserable and possibly transferred back home. To the girls who are looking for friendship, growth in Christ, a community of believers, a sorority, or any mix of those above, Sigma Phi Lambda is a great place to be. My favorite verse, John 13:7, perfectly described what Phi Lamb has done for me: “Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”” When I came to school in August absolutely distraught, I questioned God everyday about why He would call me to a university and then “abandon” me. I honestly believe that one of the reasons he called me to UTC was for Phi Lamb. I would never get the privilege to know these girls and their stories without Phi Lamb. They’ve taught me so much and given me just as much. They are one of my biggest blessings. I would be lost without them. I thank God often for this sorority and everyone in it. by Kate Combs
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 Sigma Phi Lambda was something I wasn’t even thinking about when I came to UTC my freshman year. All I could think about was finally being out on my own, having my freedom, and having no one to tell me what I could or couldn’t do. I was raised in a Christian home with two parents who were firm believers and followers of Christ. I had the best examples a girl could need, right? I accepted Christ when I was 8 years old during a revival at my Baptist church in Kingsport, Tennessee, two years after my dad passed away from cancer. I never really got Christianity until the middle of my sophomore year of college, a year after I, and 3 other girls, started the process of getting Phi Lamb on UTC’s campus. The hymn that sings “prone to wander, Lord I feel thee, prone to leave the God I love” was basically written about my heart. I was in and out of church, super into boys, drugs, and alcohol, but something always drew me back- the love of my Savior. I tell you a small part of my story so you can better understand where I come from. I didn’t realize the sheer NEED I had for community in Christ, and Phi Lamb is where I found it. Last semester, we were a provisional chapter, and those girls that stuck with us pushed me so hard into the arms of Christ. They saw me through heart break, relapse, panic attacks, and much more. Without these girls and this strong community rooted in Christ, I’m not exaggerating when I say I wouldn’t have made it. The support system I gained through these amazing women is something I will cherish forever. My faith has grown tremendously, as well as my love for Christ and other girls who may be in the same spot I was a mere 6 months ago.
When God put my friend Ethan in my path to tell me about Phi Lamb and getting it started, I was pretty halfhearted about it all. I’m so thankful that the Lord lead me through this journey, trying as it has been, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Phi Lamb is a safe, judgement free zone, and I’m the girl to tell you that! I strongly encourage any girls thinking about joining to definitely reach out to one of us. Phi Lamb provides community, support, and some serious fun to girls at UTC! -Lily Quinn, Sigma Phi Lambda Founding Mother |
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