There are many ways to get involved in college. Clubs and organizations try to put their best foot forward the first couple of weeks of the school year in order to get new members and keep their organization thriving. I was very overwhelmed as a new freshman with all the options to get involved because I wanted to do everything... Also, I was really bad at overcommitting and I didn’t want any group to get offended because I didn’t have the time to commit to their organization. Times have definitely changed.

I did not originally intend to go through sorority recruitment but I was convinced to sign up by some girls on my floor and friends from high school. I had a lot of stereotypes in my head about sorority life and being me, I also wanted to investigate and see if they were true. Did these girls really pay for their friends? Does everyone look alike in each chapter? Am I going to get hazed? All of my questions and preconceptions turned out to be completely wrong.

I walked into the chapter I ended up joining and immediately felt at home. The women in that chapter were genuinely interested in me and I made some great connections. One of the women I connected with most had the same back condition I had. Previously, I had never met anyone else with my diagnosis so it felt really great talking about ways we have made the pain subside and coped with our bad backs. I also connected with women through our similar values and shared beliefs. I felt at home and at ease in this chapter and have felt the same way throughout my three years of college.

Joining a sorority has changed my life for the better. I have gotten three jobs from my involvement in sorority life. I received information about a stellar alternative break program offered at my university and have had the privilege of traveling around the world to do community service. I gained enough confidence and will to travel abroad for an extended period of time. I have met women all of the country and Canada who share similar values as I do. Finally, I have become the person I am today. A person who has overcome challenges, who likes herself, who is strong, and who is adventurous.

If any of you are on the fence about joining a sorority or fraternity, I would definitely recommend you to take the leap. Add another chapter to your story.