When I first got to college, I was adamant that I would never go Greek.

I didn’t want to face the stigma behind the sorority girl label, nor did I want to go to parties every weekend and surround myself with behaviors that I didn’t want to partake in. I thought to myself, you’re introverted, you hate parties, there’s no reason to go Greek. And for the first semester, it stayed that way. I told myself I would give myself a year before even thinking about Greek Life. I wanted to be a well-adjusted college student before even thinking about taking the leap.

And yet, I’ve just accepted an invitation to membership from an organization on campus. Why did I change my mind?

1. Some of the current sisters are some of my best friends.

After a semester here, some of the current sisters are some of my closest friends. We work together, sing together, and have classes together. I’m currently in a show with two sisters and they’ve been walking with me to events after rehearsal. These women are beautiful people, inside and out – why wouldn’t I want to be a part of that? Why wouldn’t I want to represent the values of this organization?

2. It’s not a commitment I can’t handle.

Greek Life isn’t cheap – but the organization I’m hoping to become part of is one of the cheapest on campus. I’m not about to break the bank for Greek Life, but I know I can still afford to go out with friends every once in a while AND pay my dues on time. I don’t mind it when I know that these women will support me through the process of becoming a member, and far beyond college life.

4. The fun of it!

There’s a certain allure to Greek Life – wearing letters, having a big or little, sisterhood (and brotherhood) – the more I thought about it, the more I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I wasn’t content to let all the wonderful parts of Greek life pass me by. I might not be a party person, but Greek Life isn’t about partying all the time. It’s about service, and sisterhood, and making great memories that last my whole life.

5. I’m allowed to.

I am my own being. Just because I was so adamant about staying away from Greek Life last semester doesn’t mean that I’ve etched those words in stone. I’m allowed to change my mind. After a semester, I know so much more about the organization and the people in it. I feel at home with these people, and I can’t wait to begin my journey as a Member in Training!