This time last year I had just started my freshmen year at a new place where I didn't know anyone. Now I'm sitting here a year later and I have the absolute best friends and people I truly call my family here at school. So much of that was thanks to the amazing sorority I joined. I didn't originally plan to go through recruitment my first semester but I am so so glad that I did. Talking to all my sisters, I realized that we all have so many things that our sorority means to us and things that make this sorority absolutely perfect for us. These are some of those stories from my sisters.

Strength to grow, the courage to learn and the comfort to be yourself.

"Alpha Xi Delta is the strength to grow, the courage to learn and the comfort to be yourself. It is the foundation for a woman who is open to growth and wants to be herself. Nights of senseless laughter that makes the long days pass by. It is hope when life feels like it is crumbling and a bittersweet feeling when you have to go back to reality. It is the memories that never fade away and the ones that fill your heart with joy looking back on your undergraduate journey. Alpha Xi Delta has effortlessly helped me grow into the person I am today, and for that I will be forever grateful." -Tasha, Fall 2013

Alpha Xi Delta is more than letters on a sweatshirt.

"Alpha Xi Delta is more than letters on a sweatshirt. Alpha Xi is always having shoulders to cry on, and hands to hold. It is about being a part of a loving environment, in which anyone can flourish and realize her full potential." -Ana, Fall 2015

Alpha Xi is the constant courage that your sisters give you to face things you never even imagined you could.

"Alpha Xi Delta is always having someone to make the highs better and the lows nonexistent. It's the feeling of unlimited support and never being alone. Alpha Xi is the constant courage that your sisters give you to face things you never even imagined you could. It gives you the confidence to be imperfect because you know you always have an army behind you. It's countless days and nights filled with laughter, dancing and random adventures. Because of Alpha Xi I wake up a better person every day." -Giselle, Spring 2014

I always care so much about other people and when I joined Alpha Xi I found a group of girls that care for me as much as I care about them.

"Joining Alpha Xi Delta was the best decision for me because I got to meet sisters who have similar goals and values as I do and we push each other to succeed. I love how there is always a sister to lean on when I need them. I always care so much about other people and when I joined Alpha Xi I found a group of girls that care for me as much as I care about them. Alpha Xi Delta is the love I have for every sister. They push me to be the best version of myself sometimes without even knowing it. It's a sisterhood where I found the best friends I never thought I needed but now I can't live without." -Abigail, Fall 2013

It's staying up till 6am with 7 of your sisters. It's late night food adventures and hugs that last for minutes.

"Alpha Xi is my heart and soul. It's staying up till 6am with 7 of your sisters. It's late night food adventures and hugs that last for minutes. Alpha Xi is my home and I can't wait to see girls find theirs this recruitment!" -McKayla, Spring 2015

Ever since I joined Alpha Xi Delta my sisters help me to realize my potential everyday and I know that I will keep these friendships and connections for a lifetime.

"My main reason for going into recruitment was just to become more involved on campus. I never planned on going greek but once I found Alpha Xi I knew I was bettering myself by joining a organization of well rounded, genuine women. In the past I would stay to one clique but now I have found a group of welcoming and accepting women that have helped me break out of my shell. Ever since I joined Alpha Xi Delta my sisters help me to realize my potential everyday and I know that I will keep these friendships and connections for a lifetime." -Georgia, Spring 2014

It is the amazing feeling of knowing that you are never going to have to be alone.

"Alpha Xi Delta is having peace in oneself and those around them. It is the amazing feeling of knowing that you are never going to have to be alone. That someone is going to have your back wholeheartedly and love you for you because you are what Alpha Xi Delta embodies." -Carlyn, Fall 2014

It gave me the comfort and love I needed. Our motto "realize your potential" isn't just a cute phrase, because I am living proof that it works.

"When I first went through recruitment I was confused and didn't really like the person I was in high school but Alpha Xi Delta opened those doors I needed to really grow as a person. It gave me the comfort and love I needed. Our motto "realize your potential" isn't just a cute phrase, because I am living proof that it works. I have become such a better person since joining Alpha Xi, and now my little and my best friend both continue to make me a better person. The inspire me to be the best sister and friend at all times and they always are there for me through the good and bad times." -Victoria, Fall 2013

"Alpha Xi Delta is not only a place I call home, but a sanctuary where I can learn and grow with the people I can truly call sister." -Abbigail, Fall 2015

Alpha Xi Delta is home....The love that I share with my sisters is something that I know I could never find anywhere else.

"Alpha Xi Delta is home. It's more than a feeling of being welcomes when you walk through a door, it's the feeling of being completely wanted for who you are as a person. There's truly nothing to hold you back when you have a support system as great as my Alpha Xi's, and the endless laughter is always a plus. Alpha Xi Delta is like a hand of encouragement that is constantly guiding you on to better things, and it never ceases to amaze me. The love that I share with my sisters is something that I know I could never find anywhere else." -Emily, Fall 2014

"Alpha Xi Delta is family and lifelong friendships." -Shelby C., Fall 2015

Joining my sorority Alpha Xi Delta has given me a home away from home which was so important to me because I am a out of state student. Alpha Xi is truly my family here at school, they make me feel welcomed, cared about, and loved unconditionally. Through the good times and the bad I know that my sisters have my back, and that they are there for me and accept me no matter what. I can't even imagine where my life would be without this chapter. Not only have I gained amazing friendships but I've gained sisters I know I'll have for a lifetime. Alpha Xi Delta is always having someone to give you advice, someone to go get pizza with at 2 am, someone to study with you in the library at any hour, and always having a shoulder to cry on or a sister to make you laugh. Alpha Xi Delta is always having a friend and a sister for the rest of your life no matter what. Alpha Xi is home.