I’ve never been the sappy type.

I absolutely hate corny sentiments, and I am the last person you want to come to if you are having an emotional day. So naturally the idea of “sorority sisterhood” confused me. I was nauseous at the idea of “joining a sorority to meet my future bridesmaids” and “being sisters for life.”

It seemed as if the relationships were artificial and being formed for appearance. Were these girls that you called your “sisters” really the ones that you went to for advice, or was it just a façade that covered up all of the drama that truly went on?

Regardless of my skepticism I decided to participate in rush in hopes of trying to find my niche on Villanova’s campus. After the draining process, I decided to rush Kappa Delta, and it was the best decision I made in my college career thus far. All the preconceived notions about sorority life flew out the window the second I opened my envelope and rushed home to these girls.

1. Things get weird: and that is OKAY.

Stuffing our faces with five slices of pizza, bowling very poorly, or talking about our weird eating habits is how we do our sisterly bonding. We sit there laughing at the ridiculous moments we all have experienced, feeling completely comfortable around each other. These conversations are pure and genuine and allow new friendships to form out of fun experiences.

2. Big Little Week: only the BEST WEEK OF YOUR LIFE

You walk into your room to find your entire bed decorated with fun goodies. Free t-shirts, fun foods, and sorority décor are carefully arranged on your bed every day by your future Big. Sure, the free items are cool to receive but there is something else that is so special about this week.

Without even knowing the sister that will be your future Big you develop a special connection through seeing how much she cares about you. You immediately feel comfortable around this girl, able to go to her with the smallest concerns. This week is the beginning of a great future of a strong friendship, great laughs, and irreplaceable love.

3. Service Opportunities: DO IT FOR THE GIRL SCOUTS

I love to get involved in helping out the local community, and a sorority was the perfect way to do that. It allowed me to become a part of something bigger than myself and support causes that might not have impacted me, but definitely affected others. I am now actively trying to alleviate child abuse, as well as incite confidence within young girls.

4. New Friendships!

A group of 47 girls were all bound together by one thing: sorority sisterhood. We didn’t know anything about each other yet we immediately started saying ‘hi’ to one other everywhere on campus, supporting individual successes in academics, and giving advice on any conflicts. I now have an amazing group of women there for me no matter what difficulties I face, and I know I can always rely on them when I need them most.

5. Confidence: YOU. SLAY. GIRL.

Although I may be obnoxious and loud at times, I am a very self-conscious individual. I never thought I was pretty, always worried about how white my teeth were, and don’t even get me started on what I think about my nose. However, joining a sorority allowed me to feel comfortable in my own skin. I could have a bare face, my hair up in a bun, and sweatpants on, and the only thing the girls would be worried about is the words coming out of my mouth. I don’t need to put on a façade in order to be in front of these girls. I can just be myself.