I came to this university in the fall of 2011 with an admittedly heavy heart. South Carolina wasn’t exactly where I had anticipated going, and I hate to say it, but I was feeling pretty sorry for myself.  

I didn’t know a single soul at this school except for my roommate Kayla who I had met once before. I am forever grateful to Kayla because she turned my skepticism about USC around and helped to make freshman year one of the best years of my life. We had way too much fun, from midnight IHOP runs to staying out into all hours of the night with the Woodrow crew. However, whether she knows it or not, Kayla also brought something else special into my life.   

I decided before college that I had no desire to join a sorority. I was a firm believer that going Greek would have no real effect on my college experience. Kayla had the opposite mindset; she was so excited about recruitment to the point that it was almost always the topic of conversation. She convinced me to sign up, and the rest is history.   

I won’t lie to you, recruitment is rough for us introverted types. I remember coming home after the first day of rush and collapsing onto my bed, probably a little too excited that I could finally have a break from social interaction. Somehow though, I lasted until Pref Round. I didn’t want to admit it, but I secretly found myself enjoying recruitment at this point. I fell in love with two different sororities and was unsure which way I wanted to go.   

Bid Day was a whirlwind. I barely had time to think as the Pi Chis affiliated back to their chapters, and soon I was handed a t-shirt from my new sorority. I ran through the Horseshoe (carefully trying not to trip over the bricks) to my new home: Chi Omega.   

Never in a million years did I expect the incredible impact Chi Omega would have on my life. This is my last semester as a member of this wonderful organization, and I’m trying not to think about it. Chi Omega has shaped me into the person I am today, and I believe that I am a better version of myself because of it.   

I have made lifelong friends here who will someday be my bridesmaids. They’ve stuck with me through it all, from long car rides where I refuse to play anything but Rick Ross to more serious moments, like reading senior letters to each other on Pref Round. They understand that the way to my heart is through a Krispy Kreme doughnut, and I know they’ll always be there as my listeners, advice-givers, personal stylists… the list goes on and on.   

Through Chi Omega, I have given my time and efforts to philanthropy and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which has opened my eyes to the aspects of life that are truly meaningful. So many of us take our health for granted, and there is no greater feeling than being able to witness the incredible joy and appreciation of the Make-A-Wish families when their child’s wish becomes a reality. Chi Omega not only brings joy to its members, but also to the surrounding community.   

People will argue that joining a sorority is paying for your friends and, technically, they’re somewhat right. I do know, however, that no amount of money in the world can buy the unmatchable bonds and memories I’ve made with these girls over the years. While this may be my last semester as an active member of Chi Omega, I believe that membership is for a lifetime.