I never thought I was going to be joining a sorority my second semester of college, or even at all. I was dead set on not being one of those stereotypical college students who joined a sorority and went to parties. One of my problems was that I never really understood the function of a sorority and why they had existed on campus. Why would colleges allow these organizations to exist if only to bring negative aspects on to campus? It was about three fourths of the way into my first semester that I learned sororities aren't always what the media portrays them to be. Sure, some of those organizations do exist to live out the stereotypes, but most exist for service.

That was a concept I didn't grasp for a long time, but it became evident to me in marching band. Before and after practice, there were people running around to clean up and get our belongings in order. They were the only reason that our band could run to the full potential that it was at. The members of the sororities and fraternities of the band were always so happy and loved being there and doing what they were doing. Being a member of the band and a music major, I got to see these people a lot and they all became my friends. Long story short, they had slowly drawn me in to the idea of helping the organization that had helped me for the past six years of my life. Now a semester later, I am a member of Tau Beta Sigma and I couldn't be happier.

Every day, there are members proving to me that life is the best thing. They are constantly pushing me to be the best version of myself, always wanting me to push my boundaries and go out of my way to improve aspects of my life. They are always there for me, by my side and ready to take on whatever challenges they need to go through in order to make someone feel better. One group message or Facebook post later and I have multiple people messaging me and asking me where I am or what I need.

Throughout my process, there were so many things I had learned. One thing I have not learned so far was how to do service within the West Chester University Marching Band. That's an adventure I will take on next semester. For now, I have learned how to do service within the music community, such as volunteering for indoor color guard shows, jazz competitions, and other band events. I've learned skills such as teamwork, time management, and how to properly support others. At my first indoor color guard show, I was working at a door with two other people. Almost four groups in we had already figure out a system to work between the three of us and we knew exactly how to keep the performers on the set time schedule.

There are things I didn't even expect to learn, like how to keep my emotions under control in hard times. I never realized how hard it was to keep it together at all points in time. It slowly became easier and easier every day to put a smile on my face, knowing I will always have the bond to fall back on. Even though I was already hoping for the best in everything I did, I couldn't help but hope for even more.

So, for those of you reading and possibly interested in joining a sorority or fraternity, my advice to you is go out and explore your options. They are more than what you think they are, and you might just find your second home.

For those of you silently judging sororities and fraternities, figure out what they're about before you second guess their purpose.

To Beta Nu, I love you guys. I couldn't have asked for a better class to go through with. You helped me in more ways than one and I am so grateful for each and every one of you.

To my lovely big, thank you for being there for me during some of the toughest weeks of my life. For the studying, and all of the constant support, I couldn't have made it to where I am right now without you there by my side.

To all of my sisters, I am so happy to now be a part of you and I am so excited for the adventures to come. MLITB.