Symphony in Action: Trisha Trinidad
Symphony in Action is our blog series that focuses on sharing the voices and stories of Alpha Xi Deltas. After the recent senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, we specifically asked our Black Sisters and Sisters of Color to reach out so we could amplify their voices and presence. This ongoing series will feature Sisters’ paths, their Alpha Xi Delta trajectory and a myriad of other experiences. Sharing with one another is a way to live our Symphony out loud. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please contact us at quilleditor@alphaxidelta.org.
Written by Trisha Trinidad, Southern Maine '18
I would be lying if I said I didn’t hate sororities at first. Growing up I had based my opinions on Greek Life through mainstream media. After watching shows and films like “Sydney White” and “Scream Queens” as a preteen, I concluded that sorority girls were nothing but rude, stuck up, rich, and white. The stereotype that the girls were all white was what really bothered me the most. I thought to myself, “I couldn’t possibly be in a sorority because I don’t fit the description”; I am a dark-skin Asian with brown eyes and black hair, not their ideal type.
Flash forward to my senior year of high school and I had announced my commitment to the University of Southern Maine, a small school that was affordable and close to home. At the time, I was in a relationship with a guy who had an older brother with a girlfriend who attended the same university. Her name was Sarah and I had only met her only a few times; however, she was the first person who made an impact on my ‘sorority journey’. My first impression of Sarah was that she was sweet, kind-hearted, and hardworking, All of those things were proven true just after one conversation with her, so it was quite a shock to me learning she was a sorority girl; Specifically, a sister of Alpha Xi Delta. Based on the image created in my head of a typical sorority girl, she was far from the snobby and negative stereotype. After meeting Sarah, I decided to give sororities a chance as my view on sorority girls started to shift to a more positive light.
In fall of 2018, I began my first semester at USM. I was at the freshman “Welcome Barbecue”, when the girl next to me asked “Where’s the ketchup?”. Little did I know that answering that silly question would lead me to meeting one of my best friends. Chloe was the second person who would make an impact on my ‘sorority journey’. She is out-going, intelligent and ambitious, qualities that I really admire about her. She ended up living right down the hall from me, and like myself, was interested in joining Alpha Xi Delta. Together we went through the rush process to make it a lot less scary and in the end both ended up receiving and accepting bids to Alpha Xi Delta. Meeting Chloe was a blessing, and to this day, I know I can still count on her for being by my side.
After I accepted my bid I was still about 90% sure about being in a sorority. I found that final 10% because of two women, Shereen and Michelle (my future GGBig). The reason being is because they were not only women of color, like myself, but they were WOC in leadership positions. As a freshman New Member, I was intimidated to speak to them as they were both seniors, so I admired them from afar (in a non-creepy way). I was inspired by the drive, passion, and dedication the two of them showed, not only in Alpha Xi but, outside of it.
Now, here I am, heading into my junior year at USM, and the current Chapter Life Vice President for the Epsilon Rho Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta. As I sit and reflect on my journey as a Sister, I realize that along the way I had found Courage, Graciousness and Peace.
With Sarah I found “peace”; She helped show me “peace” within and pushed aside any negative bias and showed me to see the good in things. Sarah gave me the little “push” I need to realize to never judge a book by it’s cover and without it, I don't know what my life would be like.
With Chloe I found “graciousness”; She has been a true friend in showing me “graciousness” by holding my hand both literally and figuratively during AXiD, and outside of it. Chloe gave me the confidence to take a leap of faith to join Alpha Xi, and she is constantly pushing me to realize my potential.
Trisha with other members of the Epsilon Rho Chapter Executive Committee.
Trisha (right) and Chloe Heslin at the Northern New England Autism Speaks Walk in 2019
Lastly, with Shereen and Michelle, I found “courage”; The two of them have given me the “courage” that as a woman of color, I am capable of doing much more and have the power to break stereotypes. They showed me that I belonged in Alpha Xi, and helped motivate me to go past my comfort zone.
These four women have guided me to where I am and who I am today; A strong and confident leader. So, Sarah, Chloe, Shereen and Michelle: Thank you. You might not realize how much of an impact you have made on my life but, you did. And to my other Sisters, I would like to say thank you as well. Without your love, support and presence, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Thank you all for showing me “courage, graciousness, and peace”.
To fellow women of color, who are skeptical about joining Greek life. If you see a lack of representation, don’t let that scare you. Instead, become the representation for future females. Challenge those stereotypes and fight them head on to prove them false. As the saying goes, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.