In the spring semester of 2017, I joined a sorority. Shocking, right? You wouldn't think that someone like me would even consider Greek life as an extra-curricular activity in college. Can you imagine me, a small-town girl from north-western Connecticut who usually keeps to herself, joining a sorority? I couldn't, either; that is, until I heard about Tau Beta Sigma.

Tau Beta Sigma is not your typical sorority -- it is a national, co-ed, honorary band sorority that emphasizes music and service to the band and community. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of chapters all across America. In many ways, it is similar to a social sorority: the bond you share with your sisters is unbreakable, and they will always have your back no matter what. We also have the whole big/little aspect. But the sisters of Tau Beta Sigma do more than just support and love each other: we are bonded through our devotion to music and our passion for helping others through service. We do not go out to parties and drink like sororities and fraternities do in movies and television programs, but this does not mean that we are anti-social people. Sisters of Tau Beta Sigma are very social; however, we demonstrate our outgoing personalities through local community service projects and within the band itself.

I never considered joining a sorority until I joined the Marist College Band, for I had thought that they were all groups of party girls. Sisters of Tau Beta Sigma showed me otherwise, and once I sat down with former Vice President of Membership Toni Cotignola for an informational lunch about Tau Beta Sigma, I was sold. Receiving my bid was the second best day of my life; accepting it was both the best day of my life, as well as the best decision I have ever made.

My decision to join Tau Beta Sigma has already proved to be rewarding. Since accepting my bid, I have found another home here at Marist. Becoming a sister has been an eventful and incredible journey, one that I am excited to continue upon. I look forward to further devoting myself to music as well as the community. I cannot wait to continue to get to know my amazing and unique sisters, especially my awesome big, Alyssa.

I never thought I would ever become a member of any sisterhood. But now that I have, I can wholeheartedly say that I would not have it be any other way. Tau Beta Sigma is where I belong, and I will always be a sister in my heart.