Joining a new organization on campus can be exciting, but also intimidating. It’s not always easy to find a niche where you truly belong.

Hofstra University sophomore Bri Murphy found her perfect fit when she decided to join Phi Sigma Sigma (Phi Sig) this Spring. This sorority partners with the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation to promote education through service. The philanthropy is a major reason as to why Murphy joined.

“Education, I feel, is one of the most important things in life and because that is there philanthropy, it was definitely a great match. I felt this was a group of girls I could definitely picture myself with.” said Murphy.

English major Julia Barry is the president of Phi Sig. She said the basis of her sorority’s philanthropy is supporting and promoting education.

“We support school and college readiness locally and nationally,” said Barry. “Recently, we held a philanthropy with Phi Delta Theta called “Are You Smarter Than A Phifth Grader” where we quizzed the Greek community and local fifth graders on their knowledge of common school subjects. Were were able to donate half of the proceeds we made to our philanthropy.”

While there are community service requirements, this sorority goes above and beyond.

“We require that each sister does 15 hours of community service per year, but we do so much more than that. We recently participated in Hofstra’s Pride Paint and Plant, we have sisters that volunteer at animal shelters on the weekend, we attend at least 3 different walks for causes that we care about in the fall,” said Barry.

Michaela Cruciani is a sophomore public relations major who  joined Phi Sig this spring along with Murphy. The philanthropy holds so much meaning to her.

“Our philanthropy means giving opportunities to kids who can’t afford the tools necessary to succeed in school, and helping high school students properly prepare for college,” said Cruciani.

Cruciani realized that she was so lucky to be able to further her education at Hofstra, and wants the same for others.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given to gain my education,” she said. “I’ve met all of my best friends in high school and college, an I know that there’s so much more to learn from school experiences than just education. I want to help give others that opportunity.”

Phi Sig has helped Murphy become the confident woman she strives to be after college.

“I definitely feel I’ve come out of my shell,” she said. “I’m learning more about myself and my values in life. I now have such a strong support system. I feel more confident in my decisions because I know that even if.”

Giving back to the community is what makes all of the hard work that comes with being president of a sorority worth it to Barry.