For several semesters, I prided myself on being a GDI. I was a strong believer that the best way to make genuine friendships was to find them on my own, without the help of a sorority. I never saw myself as a “pretty in pink” girl who enjoyed wearing polos and pearls, but instead preferred my favorite outfit, which consists of clunky Doc Martens, black jeans, beanie, and hoodie. I always thought, “I could never be that.” Until I saw a bright pink tent pop up on college green with a big sign for “GAMMA PHI BETA."

I was offered a free Chapstick, and being a college student, I wasn’t about to turn down free Chapstick, and then was given a fun facts sheet about the sorority and walked away. Out of pure curiosity, I looked over the small sheet and recognized their philanthropy "Girls on the Run." I had volunteered for the organization one year in high school and had a blast. I helped fourth and fifth grade girls learn how to run a 5k, but more importantly, at every weekly session we had, we taught the girls a lesson revolving around young women empowerment. We touched on things such as the importance of physical and mental health, what makes a good friend, why being supportive is important, and how it is crucial to be a team player. Having this flashback of the lessons I got to teach little girls was what sparked my interest in Gamma Phi at Ohio University. But the big question for me was, “What’s their stereotype?”

I went to an informational meeting and was quickly introduced to Gamma Phi Beta’s core values: love, labor, learning, and loyalty. Having these principles, I immediately found myself immersed in women from all different majors, grades, appearances, backgrounds, but all having one thing in common. Every woman that surrounded me understood the importance of empowering other women. And I immediately thought, “What a refreshing atmosphere.” Because, as we all have experienced starting at a young age, a girl's world can be tough to live in. But I have never experienced the negative normalcies of that childish world in my time being a part of Gamma Phi. Do we have our disagreements? Of course. As much as we want it to be rainbows and butterflies all the time, we must keep a realistic perspective.

I consider myself a realist with a significant cynical side. Even with that being said, with all my heart I can say I have never been a part of a more welcoming, comfortable, and supportive group of women. These are not the girls I simply go out with on weekends. These are the girls that accept my quirky self and my preference to wear all black instead of all pink. These are the girls that help me perfect my resume before an interview. These are the girls that encourage me to write. These are the girls that pick me up to get some pizza after a bad day. These are the girls I can trust with my heart's secrets. And I am so thankful that these girls are my sisters. So yes, we may be new to campus and new to each other, but the values that we share have been instilled in us for years. And if you were to ask me, “What’s our stereotype?” I would sincerely tell you that we, the women of Gamma Phi Beta, are the women who love to inspire other women.