Ava Shahbahrami has made USC Aiken history by becoming the first student involved in the USCA LIFE program to join a sorority.
USCA LIFE, formerly known as Pacer LIFE, is the University of South Carolina Aiken’s program which supports students with intellectual disabilities like Shahbahrami, who has Down syndrome, to gain a meaningful collegiate experience over the course of two years.
Shahbahrami has previously made the news by joining USCA LIFE alongside her best friend, Juliana Gray.
Joining Greek Life
Shahbahrami said she decided she wanted to get involved with Greek Life because of the other girls’ personalities. “They’re nice and they’re funny,” she said.
Her sorority “big sister” Madelyn Smith said that Phi Mu has welcomed Shahbahrami with open arms.
Smith shared that she and Shahbahrami have bonded over their love for Mexican food and Taylor Swift, just having performed the pop idol’s “Love Story” together during a recent sorority lip sync battle.
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“She’s just been so wonderful, she brings so much joy and light to all of us and we’re just so thankful to have her,” said Smith, who is also Phi Mu’s president. “She lights up every room and she makes us laugh all the time. She’s really great.”
Phi Mu’s philanthropy focus is Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and Shahbahrami said that knowing she’s part of a group that does good for the community makes her “happy.”
This development could open the doors for more USCA LIFE students to join Greek Life on campus.
“I think it really hits home with inclusion efforts,” said Smith. “That disability doesn’t define you.”
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More about the USCA LIFE program
,The USCA LIFE program provides its students with academic and social inclusion and teaches skills for gainful employment and independent living. After two years, USCA LIFE students receive a program credential.
