I want to preface this article by saying that any and all secrets, rituals and sworn sisterhood activities I was a part of, will remain with me and only me. Although I am no longer a member of this chapter, that doesn’t mean I have a vendetta against anyone or anything. I consciously made the decision to walk away at a crucial time for me, but I hold this experience fondly in my heart. I have reflected on my time as a sorority girl and smile at the memories. It was quite the experience, but it is one I happily and peacefully move on from.
To my big, thank you for being the sister I never had but always wanted. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have still been at school here. I would have moved back home and left Eastern my freshman year. Thankfully, though, I waited until fall recruitment was over before making my decision. After meeting you during the rounds, then becoming big/little, I knew I had to stay and everything would be OK. As homesick as I was, your positivity and friendship helped me get through it. Thank you for all of the encouragement and love.
To my little, I’m sorry I couldn’t be the big to you that mine was to me. I’m sorry for not making more of an effort. It wasn’t fair to you that I upped and left, especially without an explanation. I hope you are doing well and have found the comfort and love in your little sorority family that I did in mine. You have already done great things for this chapter, and I know you will continue to do so.
To all of the other girls, thank you for all the memories. Thank you for accepting me with open arms when I first joined. Thank you for making my dream of being a sorority girl come true. Thank you for the laughs, for opening up my heart to new and different people, for opening up my eyes to situations outside my comfort zone, for helping me grow.
But most importantly, thank you for teaching me that change is OK and that things don’t always stay the same. I’ve learned that it’s OK to walk away from those things that no longer grow you or better you. Although my last year as a member of this house was difficult, upsetting and most of the time, downright miserable, I’m glad I stuck through those hard times. Although I dropped my membership feeling more alone than ever, I am thankful for the experiences and friendships I have made and retained.
To all of the girls who still treat me like a normal person, thank you for that. Thank you for making me feel like my decision was OK to make. Thank you for not treating me any different, and for trying to make things as comfortable as possible even though I am no longer one of you.
To everyone who was a part of my Greek life experience, thank you for everything. If I hadn’t gone through this two-year rollercoaster, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.
