Dear Kappa Phi,

If someone would have asked me a year ago what I wanted to be involved in when I got to college, my answer would have been all over the place. I would have most likely ranted on about considering joining a group such as dance or acapella. But there was one thing that I knew for sure: I was going to join a sorority. After being fascinated with my mother's own sorority stories, I knew that that experience was what I would choose over any other club when I got to college. I dreamt of having a Big and Little, making paddles, bonding with a group of girls, and of course getting to wear the super-cute, Greek attire.

When the time to come to Ohio University finally came, my heart was still set for chasing after the Greek-lifestyle. But as the weeks went by and sorority rushing came closer and closer, I began to feel unsure of my decision. Not only did I feel as though I was not similar to the other girls that also desired to rush, but I also feared the rejection of if I would get waitlisted. While struggling with this internal dilemma, I noticed on my email, that I had received an invitation to a separate rush event from Kappa Phi. This was not considered a sorority by the school and it took me a little while to remember where the group had even gotten my information. Then I remembered that at the end of the Involvement Fair, I was simply going around looking for free stuff. (Yes, I am most definitely that person.) When I saw a table with bags of candy. The mere sight of it lured me in immediately, but when I saw the Greek letters, I started to get excited. However, after learning that Kappa Phi was "just a club" and not only a club, but a religious one, I practically forgot about it after writing my name down.

I was born as a Cradle-Catholic, which means that I was born and raised in a family that practiced Catholicism. Activities such as praying or going to mass felt as though they were chores; things that you had to do and just wanted to get them over with. It wasn't until my senior retreat in high school that I actually began to establish my relationship with God. Viewing Him as a friend rather than a father, helped me develop spiritually as well as grow in other positive areas in my life. But even with me being "cool-with-God-and-all", I still struggled with the idea of being in a religious organization. Going to Catholic school for the majority of my life introduced me to people that were both strong in their faith and their opinions and would try their very hardest to shove it down your throat. And the idea of being apart of a group like that made me sick to my stomach. I wanted my journey with Him to be between me and Him, not be judged by others. But, I was running out of options and running out of time. The deadline was coming soon and the sorority rush was scheduled on a weekend where I wanted to go home. So I knew I had to make a decision and fast.

So, as my despairing self came across this email, I decided to give it a second chance. I hesitantly attended the rush event, and I could not be happier that I did. After the night was over, I knew that this was where I was meant to be. The girls were all so nice, and I still got every aspect from a sorority that I wanted, except without the crazy rushing and potential hazing.

Kappa Phi, along with my senior retreat helps keep my relationship with God on track. Being in Kappa Phi has also introduced me to such beautiful people that I would never have met otherwise. Each person is so fun and caring. I can truly say that I have found my home with Kappa Phi.

I do not mean to bash anyone that enjoys Greek Life, in fact, I still get upset about when people get the wrong idea from it. My choices, and a little bit of fate, brought me to where I have always wanted to go, I just didn't realize it, not until now. So thank you. Thank you for my new friends. No. My new family, that I have found and forever hold dear. So aye Kappa Phi. Alkaline.

Forever Yours,

Megan