Dear Alpha Delta Pi,
The summer before my freshman year of college, I was in a dilemma. I had been debating for a while whether or not I should join a sorority. I had heard many positive aspects of joining one, such as philanthropy and friendships, while I had also heard about negative parts, such as cliques and hazing. My aunt and two of my cousins had been involved in sororities when they were in school, however, and I often looked to them for advice. Thinking back now, I can’t even count the endless number of times I would ask them a question about their sororities.
In the end, after much deliberation, I decided to go with my gut and fill out the application form in the summer. I was a little nervous at first but I told myself I would regret it if I didn’t, at least, give it a try. Flash forward a few months, and suddenly I’m already moving into a new dorm at a new school starting recruitment week.
All I can say about recruitment week was that nothing could have prepared me for it. Despite the questions I asked my cousins and the research I went through online, I realized the experience was unique to everyone and I was no exception to this. The week was full of surprises and excitement, disappoints and setbacks. However, I was told to trust the system. I was also told that you will end up where you are supposed to in the end. Looking back on it now, I’m so glad I went through it because, on bid day, I ended up with Alpha Delta Pi.
Being part of a family that was for the most part, not Greek-affiliated, I did not know much about any of the sororities going in. I think this was both a good and a bad thing; bad because I didn’t know what to expect but good because I went in without any preconceived biases. This meant that when Bid Day rolled around and I had Alpha Delta Pi on my card, I knew relatively little about the sorority that I would soon grow to love.
From the moment I received a bid, they welcomed me in with open arms. Over the school year, the sorority I initially knew little about has become my second family. I never imagined that over such a short amount of time, I could grow so close to the girls that I now consider my sisters.
Thank you, A D Pi, for helping me to meet my best friends. It might sound corny and prior to college if someone would have told me this, I probably would not have believed them, and yet here I am living proof that it is true. These girls have not only become my best friends, but my confidantes, my support system, and even a shoulder to cry on. I feel incredibly blessed to have met lifelong friends through Alpha Delta Pi. It’s crazy to think I almost decided not to go through recruitment week!
Alpha Delta Pi, you have also shown me how important giving back to the community is. Before becoming a member, I was not aware of how great of a program Ronald McDonald House Charities is and all I could do to help contribute. Beyond our own charity, though, you taught me how important it is to give back and donate my time. Through events, I’ve learned about through Alpha Delta Pi I’ve volunteered for events ranging from a Chilirhea cookoff to a Princess for the Day event.
Lastly, A D Pi, I’d like to thank you for making me feel a part of something that is bigger than myself. The traditions and values we hold are something I value and don’t take for granted. Thanks, Alpha Delta Pi, for the being the first, finest, forever, since 1851.
Pi Love,
Brianna
