As I watch many girls from across the nation experience the first month of living with their sorority, or prepare for a delayed recruitment, I can't help but think about my sorority--Pi Beta Phi.
During my first months as a Pi Phi, I realized that the sorority life and Pi Phi were not what I expected, for many reasons. Here is the harsh truth about my experience:
1. I was challenged.
Through Pi Phi, I was placed in a sisterhood of people achieving and accomplishing great things and leaving an impact on this world. Through watching older members, I was able to see young ladies who I wanted to be like. Through my pledge class, I had friends who knew the potential each one of us contained. I was reminded I am not too young to accomplish great things. Here at Pi Phi, I was challenged to be myself and make a difference.
2. I was invested and invested in.
I loved my sorority, therefore, I wanted to give back to it and invest my time and energy into it. Older girls, who were applying for "real world" jobs and getting ready to graduate, never grew tired of investing their time and energy into encouraging me, whether I had a bad day or was wondering if I should change my major and career plans. My sisters, because they cared about me, gave up their time and love to invest in my life, and I was able to do the same.
3. I was served, and I also served.
When my friend passed away, I was flooded with texts and notes from my sisters, encouraging me through my time of grieving. They served me daily with encouragement and picked me up when I struggled the most. I also was given many more opportunities to serve my own sorority and my community. I was able to weekly invest in local children by playing with them, raise money for Read Lead Achieve, and read to children weekly at a local elementary. I learned the importance of giving back to my community and sisters.
4. I learned what sisterhood looks like.
I don't have a sister, so this was an opportunity to walk alongside girls in a way that strengthened me. The girls who are in my sorority are my rock and love me better. Through them, I always have clothes to borrow, someone to eat Chipotle with, someone to listen to me cry, and someone to pray with me.
5. I grew closer to God.
It is probably odd to think joining Greek Life can make you closer to God, but it did for me. I learned what selfless love looked like through my friends. I saw Christ in their actions and unconditional love. Through their faithfulness and love for both Christ and everyone they met, I was strengthened and renewed with my walk with God.
The truth about Pi Beta Phi, and most sororities, is that it is about so much more than 300 comfort colors XL tees and an excuse to take boys on dates. Many other sororities are the same for their members, but I am thankful I found my home in Pi Beta Phi. It wasn't what I expected, because it was so much more.
