Southwestern University sophomore Nicole Wilson joined the Sigma Phi Lambda sorority last fall to become part of something bigger. The Highland Village, Texas, native was looking for a group that shared her beliefs.

"I decided to join Sigma Phi Lambda for a couple different reasons," Wilson said. "I have a couple friends in the sorority. I wanted to be involved in a group that had the same beliefs and grow closer to God."

Wilson, who also competes for the Pirates women's tennis team, and the rest of the 'Phi Lambs' are active participants around the community.

Last fall, Sigma Phi Lambda extended it philanthropic reach to nearby Round Rock and the Ride on Center for Kids, also known as the R.O.C.K., which provides equine-assisted therapies and activities to children, adults and veterans with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities.

Wilson said the group helped clean out the serenity garden. The group pulled weeds and made the area more accessible to those who come to the R.O.C.K. for therapy.

"Everyone there was so nice," Wilson said. "They were thankful for us just being there and helping out."

Wilson's community service efforts began in high school, when she went on four mission trips through her church. All of the trips were to Arizona where the group helped build houses for an Apache reservation.

And while her outreach began before she enrolled at Southwestern, Wilson truly has found a home that will allow her to grow and continue to serve her local community.