When I first decided to join a sorority, it was really all about wanting to meet some new people and get more involved with my school. I never could have imagined how much of a positive impact it would really have on my life, and that I would grow so much as a person because of it. Not only did I meet the girls who would become my best friends and my sisters, but I have also had so many important values and skills instilled in me through my experiences. Here are just a few of the positive qualities I have developed through being in a sorority.

1. Leadership

Up until college I always considered myself much more of a follower than a leader. I have a very laid back personality, and so I never sought any leadership positions or even considered that I could be a leader. Once I joined my sorority, however, I felt so encouraged and supported that it made me want to step up and be a leader. Since then, I now hold two leadership positions, and I love being able to contribute to my chapter! Even if you don't take on a position, you are always given so many opportunities to step up in other ways and build your leadership skills.

2. Positivity

I've always been a positive person, but being in a sorority showed me just how much of an impact positivity can have on your attitude in a situation. Meetings or workshops can seem tiring and tedious at times, but being around your sisters really allows you to see it all in a positive light. Rather than viewing a situation with a negative attitude and dwelling on the little bumps along the way, we strive to see all times with our sisters as fun bonding experiences that we can look back on fondly for the rest of our lives.

3. Conversation ability

As you venture in to adulthood, you start to realize that the ability to talk to people is so necessary and important. Still, it can be extremely intimidating and awkward at times. I have always struggled with public speaking and consider myself to be shy, but being in a sorority really helped bring me out of my shell. I have had the opportunity to talk with such a variety of people, including my sisters, advisers, fellow Greek community, and possible new members. Without even realizing it, I became so much more comfortable and accustomed to talking that I could hold a conversation with anyone.

4. Time management

Being in a sorority is a big commitment, and that kind of commitment means that you'll have a pretty packed schedule. With all the meetings, mixers, service events, and functions, you learn the skills you need to properly manage your time and balance all of your activities along with school. I actually found myself being more productive once I was in a sorority, because though I had less free time, I was able to better utilize the time that I did have.

5. Selflessness

This is something I could never truly understand until I joined my sorority and became a part of a sisterhood that was so much bigger than just myself. A large portion of going through recruitment was focused on what a sorority could do for you, and once I joined I could fully see that it was more than that; we all began to think about what we could do for our sorority. I don't sacrifice my time, drop everything for my sisters, and cram my schedule because I have to. I really do everything because I absolutely love my sorority and sisters and am so passionate about it.

Although all of these skills will stay with me forever, the thing I will remember most about my sorority experience is my friendships with the talented, amazing, unique, inspiring, and beautiful women I am lucky enough to call my sisters. They make me so proud each and every day and constantly push me to be the best that I can be in any situation. All the other skills that I've learned in the process are just an added bonus!