Zeta Tau Alpha
If you’re reading this, know that you are never alone.
To us, finding a place where you can be your true self, a home filled with authenticity, compassion, and real friendship has been crucial to our mental health. In writing this letter, it became clear that for us, Zeta Tau Alpha provides our sense of community, and that community has been crucial to our mental health. During sorority recruitment, we all realized at one point or another the importance of finding our own community; not just for a social life, but for growth, purpose, and a chance to better ourselves and the world.
In a world that can feel overwhelming, a community like the one we have built together offers a safe space to breathe, to be heard, and to be understood. A true community allows you to walk up to anyone and know you will be listened to without judgment. From the very beginning, we ensured that members of our community were seen not just as someone's sister or friend, but as individuals with our own stories and struggles. There’s no mold to fit into here — you are celebrated exactly as you are and we hope you find a community that provides you that same level of acceptance.
We recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health. Many of us came from close-knit groups back home and worried about finding that connection again. In Zeta, we found even more: a community that lifts us up through both our best days and our hardest ones. Being part of a community has been grounding, helping us navigate the ups and downs of college life with resilience and strength and being part of Zeta has changed our college experience. We've seen how important it is to have something that keeps you grounded, a group that you’re excited to see every day. Our community gives each of us the space to grow, the freedom to choose how we get involved, and endless opportunities to build friendships, serve the community, and find our purpose. Here, we have gained not just friends, but mentors, sisters, and a forever family. Without Zeta, we wouldn’t have met so many amazing people or found such a deep connection to our school. For us, Zeta is more than a sorority — it’s a community that continues to lift us up, connect us, and help us become the best versions of ourselves. We hope that the messages from our members illustrate the universality of mental health and the power of community. We hope that you are able to find and build your own community or consider joining ours and remember that you are never alone.
Messages from a few of our members:
If you're reading this, you never ever have to struggle alone.
Asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do. It’s not giving up- it’s refusing to give up. You are never alone, and you always have a support system willing to be there for you. You are loved. You matter. Sending a big hug :)
If you're reading this, you are a badass. -Harper
If you’re reading this don’t be afraid to be yourself.
If you’re reading this, you are so loved.
If you’re reading this, I am so proud of you. Continue being kind in a world that sometimes is not. I love you! -Meghan
If you’re reading this, you always have a place with us.
For a lot of my life, I’d always felt out of place. I always felt like I had to fight for friendship, fight to be acknowledged, fight to be included in the conversation, fight to even stand in the circle. When I rushed Zeta Tau Alpha, for the first time in years, I didn’t even have to try. I was suddenly able to walk up to a group of girls and immediately be included in the conversation. People asked about my life. They wanted to know about me. They actually cared. ZTA reminded me what friendship and girlhood should be. ZTA reminded me that the goal should always be a bigger circle, to include those left out, to make everyone feel like they belong. ZTA reminded me that I am never alone. Whether you’re a sister or a friend, you always belong here. ZLAM - Durant P.
If you’re reading this, what you are feeling is normal.
Fall semester of my freshman year, I was diagnosed with panic disorder. I had experienced stress and been overwhelmed before, but I had never battled something as deep as anxiety. Despite the hard transition, I loved my life at school; I had met the most amazing girls on my hall, and on paper, I was living life to the fullest. But deep down, I was fighting the hardest battle, which was one with myself. It wasn’t until I started speaking openly about my struggles that I realized I wasn’t alone. When I opened up to my family and friends, I discovered that many of the people I admired had fought the same battles. Hearing that my feelings were valid, and that I wasn’t the only one, made all the difference. Living with an anxiety disorder has taught me to embrace my experience and be an advocate for others who may be scared to share what they’re going through. College is hard. But you are capable, you are strong, and what you’re feeling is completely normal. -Alex C.
If you’re reading this, use this as a reminder that you’re incredible.
If your reading this know you worth <3
If you're reading this, don't doubt yourself.
You are capable of more than you know, and every challenge you face is shaping you into someone even stronger. Believe in your own journey - you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Zeta Tau Alpha, Virginia Tech
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at Virginia Tech on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to Virginia Tech students, visit our chapter’s homepage.
