Written for The Argo by Roy Owusu

Resources and support systems can often seem nonexistent in the strange new world of university campuses, especially for first-generation students. Navigating through the world of higher education without the proper support is a struggle just about every first-generation college student can relate to. Those with immigrant families who have little to no understanding or experience with the American education system often struggle the most. Something as simple as just trying to find the right classroom can turn into a monumental task for someone unfamiliar with college life who lacks the proper support systems to fall back on.

On the grounds of Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey, one Greek Organization is doing its part in creating a safe and supportive environment for its first-generation students and those within the broader community. The organization is none other than Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated (LTA.) The organization was founded at Kean University in 1975 and the Zeta chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha arrived at Stockton University in 1987. They are the first, oldest and largest Latin Organization in the nation.

The LTA Zeta chapter is a Latin sorority that prides itself on academic excellence, social and cultural awareness and empowering Latina women across the nation. Their principles are unity, love and respect as well as the empowering of the universal woman.

The Zeta chapter at Stockton has consistently been working to uplift and empower the Latin immigrant and diaspora community on campus as well as within their own organization, and all of that includes providing information and resources for the first-generation Latin students of Stockton University.

What LTA does best is fostering an environment where members feel like they belong. Selena Murillo-Escobar, a sister of LTA Zeta chapter, described lacking that sense of belonging on Stockton’s campus prior to joining.

“Navigating college on my own was frightening and I found it difficult to find a community where I could be understood,” Murillo-Escobar said. While speaking to Murillo-Escobar further, she began to speak about the different methods and avenues LTA goes through to better their community as a whole: through campus events, collaborations with clubs, educational programs and community service. “As a first-generation college student myself, navigating college is difficult, so being able to have our organization be a resource to other students is one of our top priorities.”

Another sister of LTA, Karyne Velazquez Reyes, also described her experience prior to joining the organization, “it was just a lot of trial and error, just because I didn’t really know what to do. After joining LTA now I have a space of people who are older than me and who have been through these processes. I feel like I’m so much more knowledgeable now.” Velazquez Reyes herself is in three other clubs along with being a member of LTA, which goes to show the dedication members of the LTA Zeta chapter have to serving their campus and community.

Amina Pleasant, the only member of the chapter who is not a first-generation student, noted how they see the positive impact their organization has on their first-generation members from the perspective of someone who doesn’t fit in that category, someone on the outside looking in.

“Because we are a Latin sorority most of our members are first-generation so there’s a lot of people to connect with in the organization based on that shared experience,” Pleasant said, “I think it really helps my first-gen sisters find their footing easier. It provides them with a lot of skills and resources a lot of other places won’t teach them and we offer them so much support with questions on navigating college life. With LTA there’s a broader range of people to share your struggles and successes with.” Pleasant spoke in depth about the multiple workshops LTA holds for members, such as courses on professional development and financial literacy as well as general academic support.

A voice for many: supporting other campus organizations

The LTA Zeta chapter has worked with several clubs on campus including MEXSA, GUASA, LLU, UPSA and many more. The Stockton University Peruvian Student Association (UPSA) president and founder, Rebecca Delgado Bejarano, is also an LTA member.

Fellow UPSA member Ebar Bautista, described his thankfulness not only to the club president, but to Lambda Theta Alpha as a whole for their consistent showing up to and promoting of their events, “LTA constantly showing up, helping with promotion, and most importantly, showing love, not only helps our club but also the broader hispanic community.” LTA has also worked with El Pueblo Unido, collaborating with them on things such as poster making events and spreading awareness about ICE raids.