When I joined Alpha Xi Delta my freshman year, I really had no idea what I was joining. By the end of the year, some of my best friends were my sisters and I finally understood what being in a sorority was all about. My sophomore year taught me what sisterhood really meant, though. When I was strapped with responsibilities, over stressed, and sleep deprived my sisters bought me coffee, cried with me, and cheered me on. I learned that sisterhood is what you make it, and ours was made of some special stuff. I grew to depend on my sisters' encouraging texts, having them in every class, and knowing everyone on campus. In two years, I watched my sisters grow into adults, take on the world, get new jobs, and follow their dreams. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for their dreams made me realize that it was time for me to do the same.
I never wanted to leave my sisters behind and transfer. I had absolutely no fear for them, I knew that they would all be just fine. These women were some of the strongest I knew, and nothing was ever going to get in their way. My fear laid in who I would be when I left my sisters. For two years, they provided me with support, love, and laughter. Now, I was trying to take on the world by myself. I feared that my impact on the chapter might not be big enough and everyone might forget me. My biggest fear became that I wouldn't be able to accomplish my dreams without my support system of sisters.
However, as soon as I expressed that I yearned to go to Boise State's Education Program, I was met with more love and support than ever before. I was so scared to say anything because I worried that everyone might think I was jumping ship early, not fulfilling my four years. But what I learned is that the saying, "it is not for four years, it is for life" applies to all of us sisters, even those who weren't there for four full years. My time in the sisterhood might have been shorter than I planned, but I don't regret any of it. My sisters knew that my dreams lied beyond Idaho State University and didn't try to hold me back or make me feel bad. I might have only had two years, but I'll have my sisters for life.
So thank you all, for making me laugh, cry, do weird things, and for loving me. Thank you for accepting me at my worst and still encouraging me to be my best everyday. I miss each and every one of you as I continue my journey here in Boise. All too often, I scroll through social media and smile at all of the photos because I know that you girls are making a special sisterhood for another sister.
