Coming into college freshman year, I did not think Greek life was for me. There were so many negative connotations that were associated with sororities and fraternities that I had previously decided I was better off by myself. My friends from home and I promised each other before we all left for our colleges that we would never, ever, EVER (did I say never) be sorority girls.
That's right! We would never Instagram about how much we loved our "big," we would never wear two or three letters on our chest, and we sure as hell would never let college change us. Greek life was supposed to change people, and change is a scary thing.
...But nobody said anything about Greek life had the ability to change a person for the better.
Flash forward and well into my sophomore year, I am indeed, a sorority girl. *Sigh* Yes, I Instagram about how much I love my big, and yes I wear the letters "AOπ" on my chest, and yes, college changed me in the areas of my life where I needed to grow. Change is a scary thing, but nobody told me change could also be a good thing.
And evidently, Alpha Omicron Pi has changed my life in the best way possible.
I Found My Home Away From Home
Becoming a part of Alpha Omicron Pi gave me that sense of belonging I never knew I needed. People always say you don't know what you have until it's gone, but you certainly don't know what you're missing if you never had it. Looking back, I definitely didn't realize what I was missing, and now that I am a part of it, I do not want to experience this world without my sisters.
.
So. Many. Sisters.
Growing up with two older brothers, I could never picture myself having a sister. And now, I have over 70! (that's just from my school -- I can't forget about the sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi all over the country). My favorite thing is when people ask, "Are you guys really as close as you seem?" Yes, yes, a million times yes. We are each connected to one another in our own ways and we never miss a chance to tell a sister how much she means to us. "With these letters on your chest, your sisters have your back."
I Have Friends For Life
Yes, we are sisters, but above all, we are friends. We genuinely care about each other and support each other with each life endeavor, inside or outside of AOII. We never have to impress each other or try too hard. It's difficult to find people you can be yourself around and relate to in college, but luckily, that wasn't the hard part for us. The hardest part is always the summertime, where we spend our time counting down the days until school starts, so we can see our best friends every day again.
I Get to Give Back to the Community
People will hear on the news every single negative aspect about Greek life - but do they ever highlight how involved we are with our community and our philanthropies? Alpha Omicron Pi was founded on a promise to serve not only one another, but the greater community as well. This commitment reflects a philosophy of friendship, concern, and usefulness in the world. We participate in projects that raise funds for our philanthropy, arthritis research and the American Juvenile Arthritis Organization (Just like the picture you'll see below!). BUT, this does not mean our service to the community stops here. We donate time and resources to countless local community projects and organizations as well. If I was not a member of AOII, I would not realize that with a little help from friends, you really can change the world.
I Have Role Models
I have had role models before, obviously my first one ever being my mother (hi mom!), but never like this before. I a firm believer in "you are who you surround yourself with." And if that holds truth, then I must be a GREAT person, all thanks to my sisters. I have never been around a group of girls who support, love, and enjoy each other before joining Alpha Omicron Pi. Everyday, I am inspired by at least one of my sisters and they teach me something about life. I don't know who I would be without them today. I have the world's best role models.
