“Life Through Another Lens” features stories of NYJL members, in their own words, to shed light on how we experience the world and the NYJL through different lenses informed by our individual identities. In this edition, NYJL member and Outstanding Volunteer Megan Zuckerman shares about her experiences at the League and her journey with sobriety. 

What initially drew you to the NYJL?

I joined the League when I was a sophomore in college. I went to school in Manhattan at what was then Fordham’s fairly small Lincoln Center campus. Today, the campus has more to offer in terms of clubs, but back then it was a bit limited in terms of ways to meet people. I was also looking for a way to experience hands-on volunteering, and I wanted a more permanent volunteer opportunity that would allow me to stay involved after graduation.

After some googling, I found the NYJL’s website, and I went to orientation during one of my first weeks at school. It was amazing to have so many positive female role models while at college and during my early career. My first experiences at the League gave me hands-on opportunities to work on event planning, and it helped me progress in my career more quickly. My career began in the publishing industry, then public relations, and today, I work in marketing for an educational company. Overall, the League has really been a positive constant in my life. It is how I have met all of my closest friends, and it has been amazing for my personal and professional life. It gives me a sense of purpose and boosts my sense of self.

What has been your favorite NYJL memory?

I really enjoyed being a Provisional Leader in 2019-2020 and 2021-2022. It was super exciting to meet everyone, and I remain very close to my provisionals. Several of them came to Winter Ball, and one of them was actually Winter Ball Co-Chair. It was so exciting to witness and celebrate her journey. One of our other provisionals – who has since transferred to LA – also flew in from LA to be here for our Winter Ball, which was amazing, and I was also so proud of her being named a Woman to Watch in 2022. It has been great to witness all of their leadership journeys and to see my former provisionals grow as volunteers and have the chance to mentor them.

How do you identify?

I’m a female, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a volunteer. I also strongly identify as a New Jerseyan (I’m from the shore). I feel really tied to New York, as I lived there for seven years and my mom’s family goes back there for many generations. It’s really nice how the NYJL helps me continue to feel connected to New York even after having moved back to New Jersey. I also identify as sober from alcohol.

What sparked your journey to sobriety, and can you please describe your experiences along that path? 

Alcohol had always been a big part of my social life and pre-sobriety, if there was an event and people were drinking, it was a no-brainer that I would be drinking as well, so it was a surprise to a lot of people when I stopped.

I became sober on February 12, 2023, and I just hit my one year milestone a few weeks ago. My journey began in January 2023, when I did damp January and quickly saw a lot of great health benefits. In February, I found myself feeling really anxious after having two glasses of champagne. The next day, I decided to see how long I could go without alcohol.

In fact, one of the primary reasons I decided to become sober was related to mental health. I’ve always had anxiety ever since I was young, but during COVID I started getting really bad panic attacks as well. I realized that alcohol was not necessarily causing them, but it was definitely making them worse. For example, in social situations, I found myself drinking a lot to avoid panic attacks, but then that would often make me feel worse the next day. 

Sobriety has had enormous benefits: I have been sleeping better, my anxiety has lessened, I have more energy,, and I have been a lot more productive. Looking back, I feel like I wasn’t reaching my full potential when I was drinking. The first few months were really hard as my body and mind adjusted, but since then, it has been very positive. It is also so empowering to know that I have been able to accomplish something that I never would have thought would be possible a few years ago. I only wish I had done it sooner.

I have been pretty open about my sobriety from the very beginning – that is just the type of person that I am. For me, having accountability for people knowing that I’m not drinking at all has been really helpful. A lot of people have also reached out to me saying that I have inspired them to stop drinking as well. This is by far the best effect of sobriety: the ability to have a positive impact on others.

How has your sobriety journey impacted your experience at the League and vice versa?

I would say I definitely have been more productive and able to get more done, so sobriety has helped me be a more effective volunteer. And then also in turn, having all my friends and volunteers as supporters of my journey has been super helpful. I don’t think I would have been able to do it without them. I of course have many separate communities of others going through recovery, but having the community at the League has been invaluable. At the beginning of my sobriety journey, having all my League volunteer work to occupy my spare time was really helpful.

The League has been really great having so many nonalcoholic options available at the Astor House and at Fundraising Events, especially at Winter Ball. Overall, the League has been really inclusive and I haven’t felt like I have missed out on anything.

READ MORE PROFILES FROM OUR LIFE THROUGH ANOTHER LENS SERIES