When looking at colleges, one thing was certain: I wanted nothing to do with Greek life. In fact, a school with no Greek life at all was ideal for me. But, needless to say, I fell in love with a school that had what I thought was a small amount of Greek Life on campus.

As a freshman, I stuck to my original plan and avoided joining a sorority, despite all the positive things I had heard about it. But, when sophomore year rolled around, I began to realize just how many people were involved in Greek life or other organizations and how great the friendships they had formed were. I wanted what they had. I wanted to be a part of something that bonded people together. But, I was still hesitant to rush for a sorority.

In a last-second decision, I chose to go through formal recruitment during the fall of my sophomore year. I went in with many pre-conceived thoughts regarding most of the sororities on my campus, but I was shocked to realize how wrong I was.

Recruitment may have been one of the most stressful and demeaning weekends of my life; but I realized that you don’t find the right sorority, they find you.

I am now an initiated sister of Delta Zeta. My entire opinion on Greek life has changed in a few short months. Something I thought I would never want to be a part of has become a huge part of my life. A group of people that were strangers to me a semester ago have become some of my best friends.

Joining a sorority changed my life in many ways. It made me a better person, a friendlier person, and a better-rounded person. It also taught me a lot. There are four major things that being in a sorority has taught me:

There is someone to go to with almost any problem you could be facing.

In a sorority, there is always someone to go to if you are lost in any way. If you need a friend, advice, a ride, tutoring, or virtually anything else, there is someone there to help you constantly. There are so many people involved in a sorority that it makes it nearly impossible not to be able to find someone with similar interests or problems.

Having a Big is just about the best thing in the world.

Yeah, you may only know five things about each other when you first find out they are going to be your big, but before you know it you’ll be more like family than friends. This is someone that takes on the role of an actual sister to you. Those few things in common that brought you together in the first place seem to be just a few of thousands of things you share together. It’s nice having someone who feels like family while away at school.

You will inevitably find a lifelong friend.

There’s something about going through the new member process together that bonds a group of girls so strongly. Even previously initiated members will befriend you and sometimes surprise you by how friendly and welcoming they are. Late night meetings, planning events, and attending formals will certainly help you make some of the best friends you could ever have.

You are ultimately just one big family.

Being part of a sorority is something much bigger than a club or a group. You form bonds and relationships with your sisters in a way that is unlike anything else. You aren’t just a member during your collegiate years; you are a member for life. After joining a sorority, your sisters quickly become your family.