To the women who bring sunshine into my life,

In honor of rush week, I thought I should honor the women who have become my family and a huge part of my life in so many ways.

Just about a year ago I stood in the gym towards the front of a single file line and mentally prepared myself to say my name and the sorority that I chose. But perhaps the better way to say that is to say that you chose me. I didn’t know when I signed the list that I would have sisters who care for my well being, in just over a week. You have all been there for me on multiple occasions, and I’ve always known that I could go to any of you for practically anything.

I’ve always been a bit of an introvert, so when I told my mom I was rushing, she was surprised, but proud of me. I took a huge leap out of my comfort zone and you all were there to catch me when I landed. It’s been over a year now and despite everything, you’re all still here and I haven’t had to go through anything alone. You, my sisters, have been a safety net that has been there since the moment the words “Alpha Gamma Delta” left my lips at walk-outs. I hardly looked back since then. Every single one of you integrated me into the chapter so quickly that I wondered where all of you beautiful women had been all my life.

You have all become my home away from home.

Thank you for showing me what sisterhood is like and that if you have a strong backbone, you can accomplish anything. Thank you for giving me a confidence I didn’t realize I had until I met you. Thank you for the laughs, the midnight jam sessions, the decorating parties, the food, the movie watching sessions, and for the love and support you have given me. Thank you for allowing me to grow and blossom in your ranks. Perhaps most importantly, thank you for giving me sisters I can call at any time who will not hesitate to offer their assistance and support.

I hope that you know that I am here for you as well.

I’ve always been the mom of my friend group and I’ve always found myself wanting to help others no matter. You have all been there for me, and I want to be there for you. If you ever need someone to talk to or want someone to just listen, I will always be here.

As the seniors slowly phase their way out of the chapter and pass over the gavel to us younger members, I hope that I can help keep the chapter as welcoming for others as it was for me. I cannot imagine what my life would be like if it hadn’t been for you, my sisters.

I made so many friends and connections with people I probably never would have talked to in college. I met my roommate who has become one of my best friends and someone I can’t imagine living without. Thanks to you, I most likely have sisters in some of my classes and love that we can study and support each other. We can smile at each other as we pass on campus and offer each other a shoulder to cry on or a sounding board when problems arise.

It is my sincere hope that other women come to us and see what I saw, a home. I hope that they walk in the doors and feel welcome. That we can give them a support net that has helped me through college so far.

I will never be able to quantify how much you, my sisters, mean to me or how you have affected my life. Despite never thinking I would join a sorority, I cannot imagine life without it.

There’s not much I can say that will even begin to tell you all that you mean to me, but I will say this.

Thank you for everything. I love every single one of you to the moon and back.

Loyally,

Your sister