Before I even applied to college, I knew I wanted to join a sorority. The summer before my senior year of high school, I spent most of my time watching recruitment videos and watching Greek. I wanted to be a part of a strong group of women who lifted each other up and worked towards a common goal.

Now that I am in a sorority, I can confidently say being in it has changed my life for the better.

As anyone in a sorority knows, the common misconceptions are that we pay for our friends and that we don't actually like each other at all. Both statements are completely false.

I don't pay for my friends. I pay for the experience. I pay for the chance to be part of something bigger than myself. I pay in order to provide for the women I am surrounded by, and for those who come after I graduate. I pay as a contribution to our philanthropy.

While I don't know every individual in my sorority, I do know that I can go to any of them if needed. I know that because I am part of this community. I always have a shoulder to cry on, a friendly face in a crowded room, and a laugh to accompany my own. Because I have this community, I have a home away from home.

I went through a really hard break up this past year--part of the reason was that I chose to join a sorority. Each day passed increasingly slow, and I was unsure if it was all worth it (it was, in case you're wondering). Many women in my sorority helped me through it. They sat with me when I needed to vent, and hugged me when I cried.

With every day that passes, I become increasingly more grateful for the chapter that I'm involved in. I am lead to incredible opportunities, and I make connections with people who I otherwise wouldn't be brave enough to reach out to.

This past month has been difficult for my chapter, but we've come together and grown so close in a way I didn't know was possible. A tragic event has pushed us to all grow together and love each other more as the days go by. Everyone truly cares about one another, and it is so beyond obvious that we have one of the strongest sisterhoods out there.

I really didn't know what to expect when I went through recruitment. I didn't know if I would be successful in finding the right fit for me. All I knew is that something in me wouldn't give up hope that joining a sorority would lead me to the correct path.

Being apart of the Greek life community is something so special. It truly has made my college experience better, and it improves every single day. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.