Over the past two years, it's safe to say that I've found my home at Ohio State. That's not to say it's been quick or easy: for quite a while, I questioned if I made the right decision to transition from Wildcat to Buckeye. It's taken some time, but I've realized that there's no place I'd rather live out my college years than at THE Ohio State University.
Transferring from the University of Kentucky to Ohio State was more drastic of a change than going from high school to college, at least for me. Everything was different: the overall culture, the atmosphere, and especially the school size. My first day as a Buckeye was the most overwhelming experience I could've imagined. There were so many people, so many class buildings, so much traffic, and I just wasn't used to it. I was having a difficult time connecting to my peers, and for a long time I spent my days only hanging out with my single roommate.
All of these things made me question if I was spending my college years at the right place. I would constantly visit Kentucky and keep in close contact with those whom I'd befriended there. In combination with continuously visiting my high school friends, overall I didn't spend much time at Ohio State.
What I ended up realizing is something very important: the only reason I kept going back to UK was because it was what I knew, what I was comfortable with. I wasn't giving Ohio State the chance that it deserved. Once I realized that, I knew that I had to put forth the effort if I wanted to try to make this place my home.
That was when I decided that I wanted go Greek. It's ironic really, because that's something I would've never thought about doing at UK. That's not to say I didn't have Greek friends there, I did. It was just never something I considered doing; however, joining Gamma Phi Beta at OSU has changed that for me.
Being a founding mother of a sorority has been one of the greatest honors I've ever felt. Constantly being surrounded with not only sisters, but also friends who share the same goals that I do has dramatically changed how I've seen college. It's inspired me to step out of my comfort zone every single day, doing and experiencing things that I would not have otherwise. It has made me happier, better, stronger.
With that being said, if any of you transfer students are ever questioning your decision... Give your new school a REAL shot. Whole-heartedly step out of your comfort zone, no matter how uncomfortable you might originally feel. Try something new: join a random club, talk to someone unexpected, or get more involved with your college/major. Whatever it means for you, try it.
You'll never know what can come out of it unless you try. Who knows, you might find your life-long best friend. You might find a new passion in life. You might study abroad. You might find your true love. You might surprise yourself, just like I have.
I won't promise that things will change for you overnight. That's just not possible. It is not something that's going to be handed to you. It's up to you to see your potential and to ultimately act on it. Some days are better than others, but it's your task to find what your new school can do for you. Gamma Phi Beta has done for me at Ohio State; she has helped make it my home.
