It all started with a bid. After a long week of touring each of the beautiful mansions on Greek Row, talking to countless girls about my interests, and pulling my hair out stressing over whether I would even find a place to call home, I was given a bid. I had always pictured myself joining a sorority, but I never could have imagined how much of a life-changing experience it would be.
There are a few reasons why I initially wanted to join a chapter, but I could go on for hours about all of the reasons why I stayed. We tend to join for the community, the instant friends, and the social events, but we stay for our sisters and the incredible bond we share. We stay to better ourselves and to better the community around us. We stay because we fell in love with this national organization that has the power to transform girls into real, strong women.
After frantically opening that envelope on bid day (nearly ripping my bid card) and running home to Alpha Chi Omega, I was welcomed with outstretched arms and smiling faces. I knew, without a doubt in my mind, that I had made the right decision. I instantly gained a family of nearly 200 sisters that I now can’t imagine ever living without. Like all families, we have our problems. We are a bit dysfunctional, we don’t always agree, and sometimes living with so many women can be overwhelming, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Why Alpha Chi? Because the beautiful women I get to call my sisters are some of the most fun-loving, genuine people I know. There is nobody I would rather laugh with, vent about my problems to, or consume an ungodly amount of tacos with (which happens quite often). My Alpha Chi sisters are strong, determined, passionate women who, without a doubt, are going to run the world someday. I couldn’t be more proud.
Alpha Chi Omega is so much more than dressing up for exchanges, finding the hottest date for formal, or taking Instagram-worthy pictures at every event. Alpha Chi is a support system. It’s a place of uncontrollable laughter, random dance parties that could break out at any moment, and most importantly it’s a place where I can unapologetically be myself, and nobody would ever ask me to be anything else.
This organization has given me so much, and I only hope that I can give back a little bit in return before I leave. Alpha Chi Omega has given me the opportunity to be a leader in my chapter, it has allowed me to give back to my community through philanthropy events and service events, and it has pushed me to simply be a better woman. I have experienced successes, failures, and countless embarrassing moments these past few years, and I couldn’t have made it through without these ladies by my side. Alpha Chi Omega isn’t just four years; it’s for life.
Thank you to each and every one of my sisters for making college the best years of my life. LITB.
