A few weeks ago, one of my friends that I met this August asked me, "Jen, can you see the stars from your house?" Where she is from, the city lights cast brightness across the sky, hiding the stars. I answer, "Yes. It is beautiful" I went on to explain how my small, rural town is named after a constellation that canopies overhead. I never realized what a privilege it was to watch the night sky full of stars until that moment she asked me. I tell my friend, "sitting and watching the stars reminds me just how big the world is, but also reassures me that I am exactly where I am supposed to be."
Hi! I am Jennie Abbott, a first year sophomore studying Agriculture Communications. I have a huge passion for writing and I want to work in the Agricultural Journalism world when I graduate. Sigma Alpha has been such an important part of my college adjustment and I wanted to share a little bit about it...
From Kindergarten through 12th grade, I went to school with the same 75 kids (give or take). It was wonderful and I had such a strong community, but I was so ready to branch out and find myself in the next chapter of life. January of my senior year, I received my offer from the University of Illinois in the Agriculture Communications program and knew that was where I wanted to be. This might have been slightly influenced by the fact that both my parents, brother, sister, and boyfriend attended or currently are students ;)
Although I had made this decision easily, I was transitioning from a graduating class of 75 to over 8,000 (a Univeristy record!). My new "world" was going to be so big. Things would be different. In August of 2023, I moved to campus and instantly felt the rush of "fresh energy"; inspired by everything and everyone around me. I did shed a few tears of homesickness, but I was certainly not alone.
The first time I heard of Sigma Alpha was on a campus visit during my senior year of high school. I was intrigued by the idea of being a part of something, but apprehensive about the idea of joining a "sorority", connecting this word with social sororities.
Come to find out, Sigma Alpha, a professional agriculture sorority, was so different, in the very best way.
In September, I began my rushing process and let me tell you... it was awesome! The girls welcomed us in with open arms and I felt connected. A few weeks later, I accepted my bid and I am so, so grateful! Our Bid Day celebration was conveniently themed, "Written in the Stars".
Closing in on my first semester at U of I, I know that this is exactly where I am supposed to be. The girls in Sigma Alpha inspire me to do great things and be the best version of myself. I came to college searching for myself and through Sigma Alpha, I have not only found my place and passion in agriculture, but also gained a group of friends that accepts the authentic "me". This is where I belong - It was Written in the Stars.
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