The Ladies of Alpha Gamma Alpha- Who We Are (Spring 08)

Sarin Kodchian
bruinsrk17@ucla.edu

In the sea of students here at UCLA, an environment where one feels welcomed, appreciated, and inspired is something hard to come by. As young, Armenian women, we are presented with more responsibilities and obstacles then others, and are in need of a support system that will do just that, support you.

College is a time to find yourself, but for us, it’s more than that. It is here that we are expected to take hold of our opportunities and make something of ourselves. We need an open forum where our voices and opinions can be nurtured and vocalized into actions.

Alpha Gamma Alpha provides that opportunity for girls, within its circle of trust and sisterhood. Built upon a foundation of loyalty and friendship, Alpha Gamma Alpha, has contributed to the molding of successful and proud sisters who through their experiences within the sorority, are able to take on the world and all it may throw at them with confidence. Within its protective and sacred walls, this sisterhood holds respect, for yourself and others, above all else.

Joining a sorority is not about wearing Greek letters or parties; it is about holding yourself and your sisters to a higher standard. It’s about putting the good of others and future generations above yourself.

Alpha Gamma Alpha is the perfect environment in which to grow and find ones-self. It is also a place to find young women whose character should be aspired to and accomplishments inspiring. Alpha Gamma Alpha, the first Armenian-based sorority was founded here at UCLA on October 25, 2002, and has expanded to UCI, CSUN, USC, UCSD. Alumni include women in an array of fields in the workforce and in most graduate programs, including but not limited to medical, pharmaceutical, law, education, accounting, dental and psychology.

There is no shortage of accomplishment or young, successful women to be inspired by. Both last year and this year, we have had one of our girls be senior of the year. Last year’s Elina Mnatsakanyan is now attending UCLA Law School and this year’s Ani Khachoyan has her pick of Ivy leagues, including Harvard and Vanderbilt.

Our sorority, for the last few years has held the highest cumulative GPA atop many other fraternities and sororities. Sisters all hold education and success very highly and are passionate and driven towards their own personal goals.

Our own personal success is also driven by our duty to improve ourselves and our communities. Philanthropy has been a driving force. For years we have been involved in the UCLA community with our participation in Dance Marathon where girls raise money for pediatric AIDS.
We are also passionate about the Armenian community, both here and in our motherland. In Armenia we support families and will adopt children, along with paying for mammogram machines. We work close with the community and other organizations and try to get involved whenever we can. Whether it’s playing secret Santa to a class of underprivileged, inner-city children or planning a trip to Armenia to educate and empower women, Alpha Gamma Alpha is passionate and devoted to change.

Through the sorority we are able to bring causes close to our own hearts to a network of peers that help support and further them. This sort of environment fosters growth and passion for doing good for ourselves and others. Alpha Gamma Alpha is a long-lasting sisterhood that encourages the growth of young women and the community.