For anyone who has been through Recruitment, there is always one question that you were guaranteed to be asked at pretty much every party:
What made you decide to join Greek Life?
My answer was the same every time—my sisters.
All of my sisters were involved in sororities throughout their college experience. I went to a lot of philanthropy events and have the t-shirts to prove it. I was even a bit jealous whenever they got Littles, because I was the little sister. Now that I’ve had the chance to experience sorority life first-hand, I’ve realized there are a lot of things that my sisters taught me about being a part of a sisterhood.
They taught me unconditional love.
As 1 of 5 children, I am no stranger to the universal rule of “I may not like you, but I love you.” Sisters can be tough at times. It’s easy to fight and bicker about little things, like “borrowing” their clothes, shoes, and jewelry. And their advice can sometimes come across as judgmental; like that time I stubbornly wanted to wear brown shoes with black pants even though it apparently “didn’t match”. There will be times where you swear you hate them, but at the end of the day, these are our sisters. There isn’t a thing you wouldn’t do for them.
They taught me to strive for excellence
I followed my oldest sister to her Alma Mater, University of North Georgia. I fell in love with the campus almost 10 years ago when she attended. I went with her to class and watched her finish college, and then complete her Master’s Degree a few years later while working a full-time job. My other sister graduated from Georgia Tech with her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree. She got to study abroad and experience cultures outside of her own. I watched my sisters become the beautiful and accomplished women that they are today. Sisters encourage us to be the best version of ourselves that we can be.
They taught me about true friendship.
I can honestly say that my siblings are some of my best friends. We’ve been through everything together. I know that no matter what life throws at me, they are there for me. They come armed with love and support. We make an effort to be involved in each other's lives, even when our involvement isn’t warranted. When school is difficult, or when life gets tough, I know they have my back. They are everything I could ask for in a sister, in a friend.
When I joined my sorority, I recognized these traits in the strangers I now call sisters. Even though joining a sorority was something I always wanted for myself, I didn’t know what to expect. But at the same time, I knew exactly how it felt to be surrounded by love, and understanding, and encouragement. I saw the relationships that my own sisters formed, and I wanted that for myself. I am incredibly lucky to have these amazing women by my side within my sorority, but I owe it all to my sisters.
Thank you, Angela, Jennifer, and Sadie for all the loving memories. I love you.
