I was one of those people. One of those people that would hear the word “sorority” and immediately start thinking of all of the stereotypes of it. I never thought it was something worth considering. I never thought it was for me. I just thought it was something commercial, expensive, and not worth my time while I was in college. I had no idea that joining a sorority would become one of the best decisions I’d ever make while being a college student. Now, it’s one of my main priorities right next to school and I love and defend it with the uttermost respect.
Being a part of such an amazing organization has given me the determination I need to pursue my dreams more now than ever before. Before I joined my sorority, I was easily discouraged. I would let the pressures from school, my job, and the “adult world” bring me down. I now have the push that I’ve always needed to do my absolute best academically, mentally, and financially. I work harder and occasionally reward myself when I need to. My sorority gave me study buddies, personal tutors, shoulders to cry on, hands to hold and I could not be more blessed and grateful for that.
My sorority gave me trust. I have friends that I know will be lifelong, and I know that I can depend on and look up to them for almost any and everything. I never feel in need of someone or something like I did once before. There’s more to being in a sorority than just being friends with a lot of girls. I always refer to each member as my sister because that’s what we are to one another. Our motto is “We Live for Each Other," and we stay true to that without a doubt. There is always someone to talk to, vent to, laugh with, and also to motivate me when I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders from time to time. I wake up every day with a positive mindset and perspective on life, and I am so grateful to be a part of something much bigger than myself.
My sorority gave me confidence.Two years ago, I would never walk up to a stranger and smile at them or make random conversation with someone I didn't know. I would be the girl to awkwardly stand next to someone quietly while he or she talks to another person. I would be the one to never want to spontaneously go out and have fun with a large group of people I didn’t know. I was always shy, reserved, and a little to myself. Now, there’s never a moment where I feel I can’t speak to someone I’m not familiar with. Now, I smile at every one and greet them wherever I go. Now, there are days every week where I make it mandatory to go out and have a good time. This confidence immediately made college easier for me because I was happier and more optimistic toward each day. For a change, I was living.
The most important thing my sorority has given me is strength- strength that I never thought I was capable of having. I’m stronger emotionally, mentally and academically. I worry less and smile more. My sorority taught me to be myself and to appreciate life to the fullest. Life is way too short, and being a part of Alpha Delta Pi is helping me live life the way I was not doing before. I’m much happier than I used to be. I feel I always have something to look forward to. With this strength that I’ve been given, I study longer, socialize better, play harder, think smarter, and I have the open mind that every college student should have in this crazy, unpredictable world. My sorority has opened all the right doors for me. It exposed me to the perks of being a college student. It made me see that the sky is the limit and there really is light at the end of the tunnel.
