Never in a million years did I ever think that I would join a sorority.

But holy crap am I glad that I did.

It was the beginning of my freshman year at DePaul University, and it was a nightmare. I had the worst living situation, crazy roommates and no friends. I spent every week crying and calling my dad begging him to let me come back home. I was convinced that I was going to drop out of college.

I knew had one friend, Jacquelyn, from my old high school that also went to DePaul, whom I only got to see once before she left to study abroad. But when we met that one time, I never expected to get the advice that I did. I vented to her about all of my problems and the mess that I was in, expecting something along the lines of, "it'll be okay! You can do it!". Instead, she advised me to go through recruitment and join a sorority. I had never considered that being an option, so when she explained to me about all of the incredible things that come out of it, the more I wanted to do it. The second I got back to my dorm, I signed up for recruitment and the rest is history.

Little did I know that I would end up falling in love with the exact same sorority that Jacquelyn is in. The next thing I know, I'm running home to Chi Omega.

Looking back on it now, I realize how lucky I really am I that I found this group of women. I genuinely believe that I would have dropped out of college had I not met my sisters. I felt whole again. I was not lonely any more. I felt so comfortable just being myself and expressing who I am. They accepted me for all that I am, quirks included. There are no words to describe how welcome and safe they make me feel.

Life began to throw more obstacles my way, which led me to fly back to California for a day just so that I could have my family comfort me. The second I landed, my phone blew up with messages from so many of my sisters, even ones that I hadn't gotten super close to, asking if I was okay and sending me love and support. I cried so many tears of joy because I had never felt so loved by so many people my whole life. And when I came back, my Big had gotten me the book, Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed with a very sweet note she wrote inside the cover. I cried even more then.

Chi Omega is more than a sorority to me. It is also more than just a home away from home.

Chi Omega is my safety net.

No matter how far I fall, my sisters will always be there to catch me and lift me back up again. They have given me the confidence I need to make it through my college endeavors. I am not over exaggerating when I say that Chi Omega saved me.

I feel like I am capable of anything when I am with my sisters and I will forever be grateful for that.