From Homesick to Home: Finding Belonging at UC Davis
What does it mean to truly belong?
What does it mean to truly belong?
I didn’t fully understand, until I had found my home away from home — nearly 2,000 miles away — at Sigma Omicron Pi.
When people hear the words “Greek life,” their minds often jump to parties, stereotypes and stigmas. But my experience with Sigma Omicron Pi at University of California, Davis is something I can confidently say has changed my life and college experience for the better. As a third-year psychology major from Texas, I didn’t arrive with established friendships, connections or familiar faces. My first year of college was marked by uncertainty and homesickness, and I often questioned whether I truly belonged at UC Davis.
When I returned for my second year, I realized I had been doing myself a disservice by holding back from making connections out of fear of stepping outside my comfort zone. I made a conscious decision to try new things and put myself out there, determined to find my community. In spring 2025, I attended all three days of rush for Sigma Omicron Pi, where I met some of the most genuine, kindhearted, funny and down-to-earth women. Though it may sound cliché, they quickly became my home away from home. For the first time since arriving in Davis, I felt the sense of belonging and comfort I had been searching for.
Sigma Omicron Pi is the first national Asian American interest sorority, with chapters spanning Northern and Southern California to the East Coast. Being surrounded by like-minded, career-driven, confident and strong role models has reinforced my belief that UC Davis is the right place for me. From food and boba runs to concerts, raves and late-night study sessions, these everyday moments have become some of my most cherished memories — all shared with the people who mean the most to me.
The sense of belonging that SOPi has given me has shaped how I think about life after graduation. Through the connections I’ve built, I’ve come to realize these women are more than friends — they are my home, and they will continue to support me long after college ends.
As my final year of college approaches, I encourage all students — no matter where you are in your journey — to take advantage of the resources, opportunities and communities that UC Davis has to offer. Even the smallest steps outside your comfort zone can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities you never imagined. I truly owe the best parts of my college experience to SOPi — and through it, I finally learned what it means to truly belong.