Since my initiation (three hours ago) into the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma, I have found myself contemplating the meaning and depth of my decision. I can say nothing less than my life has been changed forever; I am a part of something universal now, an organization that has tested time and loyalty. But I didn’t always think this way.

I went through high school skeptical of the Greek system, never sure where I stood on its weight or its significance. I was not alone; stories of hazing and superficiality have tainted the reputation of many Greek organizations. The stereotypes are everywhere, and I am not afraid to say I often used them along with so many of my friends. This is not to say I only saw sororities in a negative light; most of the women in my family were Greek (my Mom herself is actually a Kappa). Yet it never seemed to be such an integral part of their lives that they considered it a necessary college rite of passage, nor was I ever encouraged (or discouraged) from it.

So, as a freshman at Georgetown, I never expected to rush voluntarily. As the stereotypes proclaim, I can admit I was drawn to the social scene, matching apparel, and squealing chants that most sororities boast. However, I think it was more than that. There was a positive, ambitious spirit in the girls of Kappa, and, quite spontaneously, I decided to become a part of it.

What I have discovered is a sorority is not designed to be defined by a party, or an Instagram. Each organization has been founded by powerful, independent, intelligent women who chose to work together so they might do things they could not do alone. I see these same qualities in the girls I, 125 years later, call my sisters too. An atmosphere of camaraderie and support and true friendship, not to mention generosity and dedication to philanthropy, has been cultivated among them. This is why I am proud to wear my letters. My sisters and I may lose touch someday, but the philosophy of Kappa that I began to understand today will last me long after my college years.

Today, two months later, I took a moment to thank myself for giving this strong sisterhood a chance. I thank my wonderful, fearless, self-assured Mom for opening my eyes to what I might gain from these women, to look past what was artificial. Today I discovered the real and meaningful significance of such organizations as Kappa: the pursuit of knowledge and goodness and strength. Today I realized that positive, ambitious spirit that I saw in the girls of my sorority also existed in myself.