"A Kappa Delta isn't something you become, it's something that you've always been."

Some time ago someone once said this to me, and as I reflect on the past year and a half as a member of the best sorority I know, I am so proud to stand as a Kappa Delta.

Going into my freshman year of college, I was unsure whether or not Greek life was for me. As I hesitantly went through with recruitment, I tried to convince myself that it would all be worth it in the end. Recruitment was a whirlwind process that lasted two weekends long. I had never in my entire life spoken to so many girls before. Generally being very shy, I was intimidated, to say the least.

As time went on, I had a difficult time adjusting to my sorority. One hundred plus new sisters were overwhelming. The pressure of being a legacy was a name I felt I had to live up to. Being in a sorority with a ton of girls who were all of a sudden "best friends" alarmed me. I had a difficult time finding my place in the crowd, as most freshmen do when becoming active in a new environment.

The thought of disaffiliating and even the thought of transferring weighed heavily on my mind. The only thing I desperately wanted was an escape- a free pass to remove myself from all of the craziness that came with college and going Greek freshman year.

I left freshman year feeling like I was on a rollercoaster that was never going to end. But, I returned sophomore year with a new perspective.

During recruitment in the fall, I met my best friend who I very quickly became inseparable with. She changed everything for me including my perspective on Kappa Delta.I also became friends with many other girls in my pledge class and other pledge classes. The piece of the puzzle that had been missing from my life was finally now in place among the rest.

Today, I am so happy to be a member of Kappa Delta. The sorority has shaped me into the person I only hope to be. I can't thank Kappa Delta enough for providing me with the self-confidence and the mindset that I am able to do anything. Most importantly, KD has taught me the importance of taking risks and why it is important to take advantage of any opportunity- large or small, thrown your way.

To the Theta Alpha chapter at Quinnipiac, you have my heart. Thank you for accepting me for who I am. I walk a little taller each day knowing I have one hundred plus sisters who have my back.

Last but not least, thank you to both my Big and Little who keep me sane 99.9 percent of the time. I love you both endlessly.