About one month ago, I moved to Pullman, Washington. After going through the exhausting formal sorority recruitment process, I found my second family that will last me a lifetime.

I am talking about my chapter, of course, but also about the supportive, tight-knit Greek community that I am so blessed to be a part of. Being a freshman in the midst of this 3,000 plus person family can be a little overwhelming for any personality type, but I wouldn't trade the lessons I have learned or the friendships and memories I have made for anything in the world.

Growing up as a military child, I'd never had friendships that lasted. You know, the ones where you have pictures together in your diapers and then again 18 years later in your prom dresses.

I didn't find my solid best friends until I was about 10. While the migrating lifestyle made me a lot closer to my brothers and parents, I had always wanted to become close with my peers.

Another thing I longed for while traveling all over the world was to be a Coug. For as long as I can remember, I've dreamed of being right here at Washington State University.

My Dad got his master's degree here, so I grew up with the Cougar spirit in my family. To me, it seemed like a place of community, spirit, and love. The desire to be here stayed with me through my childhood, middle school, and high school. I have never wanted anything more.

I got a little nervous before moving here. What if reality didn't live up to my expectations? What if I felt small in this school of 23,867 undergraduates?

Now that I am actually here, I have found that it is everything I hoped it would be, and more.

In my chapter, I have found a home away from home. I have only been with my sisters for about a month, but I already feel an inseparable bond with them. Without the protection of my sisters, I don't know if I would have survived syllabus week.

These women are my role models, my best friends.They are the smartest, most ambitious, and kindest women I have ever met. They make me want to be a better person. I may not know all of them individually yet, but I do know that when I walk through my sorority's front doors, I can be myself. The welcome I have felt here is something I have never experienced before.

In the Greek community, I have found a large group of friends that I can have fun with and make a difference. We support our school and our community while bonding and bettering ourselves.

There have been so many life lessons learned in my first few weeks in Pullman. Sleep is valuable. Schoolwork comes first, but when somebody asks you if you want to play beach volleyball at midnight on a Tuesday, don't say no. Heartbreaks will come fast and hard. And most importantly, cherish every memory and every friendship.

Pullman has quickly become the hometown I never had. Many outsiders ask: "What is there to do in Pullman?"

Well, we do life. We live, work, play, and most importantly, bond with the amazing people around us.

From standing and cheering in the freezing rain at the first home game to eating Domino's in the middle of Greek Row at 3 a.m., we are creating those relationships that will last a lifetime.

I have found my home here in Pullman. Having genuine, lifelong friendships is what I have hoped for my whole life as I moved from town to town with my military family. Through scholarship and service, as well as fun, the Greek community at WSU has become my second family and long lost hometown.