I honestly had no idea when I started at UA that I would rush Kappa Delta Chi. The UA is well-known for Greek Life, with 51 organizations and four governing councils. The Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Association govern organizations such as Delta Chi and Alpha Delta Pi, respectively. However, there is another council that deserves recognition: The United Sorority and Fraternity Council, a cultural-based organization. When I was introduced to this entirely different part of Greek Life and saw that these girls upheld all the values I already hold dear to my heart, I was sold.

Diego Armenta, a first-generation college student, said he felt almost completely lost among the UA community, but after becoming a fraternity member he became more involved and more comfortable on campus.

“Something that is different about many of the organizations within the United Sorority and Fraternity Council than many of the organizations within the other councils is the emphasis of pride for one’s culture,” said Armenta, a theatre arts sophomore and member of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity. “I also really liked that there were some unique traditions strictly for certain organizations. Traditions like chants, strolling, stepping and saluting.”

During the beginning of each semester, all USFC sororities and fraternities set up a table along the UA mall for recruitment. The council also holds a “Round Robin” event where all the organizations meet in one venue, providing another opportunity to learn about each group.

Jose Lupe Conchas, a sophomore studying political science and public health, joined his fraternity in the spring of his freshman year.

“I am a proud brother of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc. UA freshmen should look into USFC organizations because in my experience, coming into college, I never wanted to be in Greek Life because of the stereotypes and I didn’t see anyone like me in a greek organization,” Conchas said. “The multicultural greek community is very welcoming and family-like.”

— Serena Valdez is a journalism senior. She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu or on Twitter via @WildcatOpinions.