When I was a senior in high school, I had no idea what to do with my life. Going Greek seemed like the thing to do, because after all, everyone was joining a sorority. Because I attend a small university, our rush week was later than my friends that attended bigger schools. For weeks, all I saw on Instagram were pictures of people in front of giant greek letters. I wanted that, I wanted to find a place to belong, a group of women that I could learn from, and more than anything I wanted a sisterhood. I wanted friends that would last a lifetime, and women that I would be able to count on for anything.
I can definitely say that when I joined Zeta Tau Alpha, I found all of those things and so much more. My organization has given me the opportunity to grow and to become a leader, to become a friend, and a big sister, and to become the person that I want to be throughout the rest of my life.
I have found my best friends. They are all people that support me in decisions that I make, even when they may not agree, they cry with me, and laugh with me, they bake cakes with me, and watch movies with me (even though I normally fall asleep before it's over). I am so incredibly glad that I spent the time to sign up for recruitment when I came to college. Without that I wouldn't have my best friends, the women that I hope will be my bridesmaids one day, the women that hold me accountable, and the women that pick me up when I fall.
In addition to my best friends, I am so thankful and appreciative for my littles. Sometimes we fight, but at the end of the day we all love each other unconditionally, and would do anything for one another. I have learned the responsibilities of being a Big, and knowing that you always have eyes watching you, that are learning from you, and looking for guidance on what they should do as they begin their college journey as sorority women. Even though we have been through conflict and sometimes I think that I am going to be put in an early grave, I wouldn't trade either one of my littles for the world. They keep me going each and every day. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to be a mentor and role model in their lives.
Because of going greek, I have learned what its like to be a leader and I have been able to grow my leadership skills by holding positions in my chapter. I have been able to achieve things that I never thought I could've before.
Looking at my experiences in a greek organization I would say that you should most definitely go greek. Yes, sometimes it can be frustrating, and time consuming, and no its not for everyone, but why would you not want to be a part of something that is so much bigger than yourself. I have been able to help raise thousands and thousands of dollars to benefit our philanthropy and see the difference that it makes in other women's lives. I have grown as a leader. I have met my best friends. I am connected to every single ZTA in the country. It is so amazing to be wearing letters one day and have someone come up to you and tell you that they were in ZTA when they were in college. Being greek is a connection that is strong, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
