This summer I had almost nothing to do with my sorority...and that made me love it even more.

I've always heard the saying, "distance makes the heart grow fonder," and I put those words of wisdom to the test these past few weeks. Although I had no intention of growing apart from my sisterhood, studying abroad and living far away from my sisters made me realize that the saying is true.

Of all the things I learned in Europe, what stood out most was the commonly held belief that Americans do not have their own traditions. I had never heard that sentiment before my trip, and of course strongly disagreed with it. When I think American tradition I think apple pie, baseball, hot dogs, and general dislike of government figures just to name a few. Many people originally from Europe disagreed with me over this. I do not know if their own massive historical backgrounds overshadow those of other nations, or if they are simply out of touch with American history and culture, but it frustrated me that others denied quintessential parts of my own upbringing.

One American tradition that is especially meaningful to me, and that is missing in Europe, is Panhellenic, social Greek life. Even though they have La Sagrada Familia and many monuments that many travel across the world to see, Europe is ignorant when it comes to loudly chanting chapters of sisters. That sacred tradition which started hundreds of years ago is as uniquely American as throwing tea into a harbor (take that, Europeans…).     

That being said, living in Europe this summer separated me from that tradition. No longer was I surrounded by creeds, candles, or Chacos. I had limited access to my sisters, and my pictures of the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben pushed my sorority pictures further down my Instagram profile. Of course I didn’t forget about my sisterhood, but without my lettered frockets and norts, I began to grow apart from something that had once dominated most of my personal life.   

I could not be more excited to get back in the swing of "fratty" things now that I am back in the states about to begin recruitment. The time I spent apart from Greek life helped me develop other interests and meet new friends, but I am thrilled to be reunited with all of my sisters and see how they have grown over this summer. I am blessed to share a bond with such powerful, creative, and witty young women. Although it was nice to have had some time and space to myself, I know I wouldn’t be the same person without their kind words and friendship.   

And if nothing else, at least I get to wear my norts and frocket tees in public again.