When coming to college, I had no idea what kind of social life I was going to get into. I had a great group of friends in high school but I knew they would slowly dwindle as the college years went on. I joined a sorority my freshman year and it was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made in my life. Upon joining, I one day was introduced to a group of men that in my eyes were the most fun, diverse, intelligent, and caring men I have ever met. I could not be more thankful for them, today. At the time I didn’t know that they’d change my college career forever, and I am more than happy to be named their fraternity sweetheart.

What is a fraternity sweetheart? According to Urban Dictionary it is defined as:

However, a fraternity sweetheart is much more than crafting, baking, and a picture in a chapter’s composite. It is above all else, an honor. I was elected Sweetheart of Sigma Phi Epsilon Ohio Kappa, because I love them. I love them for all of the boys to men journeys I was able to watch. I love them for everything they stand for, as well as everything they do not. I love them for the memories they have given me and for making my college experience change completely. And I love them for seeing what they saw in me that I didn’t yet see in myself. Although my journey is not yet complete, I have l gained so much from them already. If you are ever so fortunate as I to be elected a Fraternity Sweetheart, I must clue you in on the pro’s and con’s that comes with the job.

Pro: Protection.

Who wants to get into a fight with 80 men who assemble faster than Optimus Prime? Nobody. You’re safe from creeps, bar fights, and whatever else is thrown your way whenever you’re with them

Con: Over-protection.

You think your dad is bad? Not even close to the judgment that passes whenever they see you with somebody they don’t know. They will never think anybody is worthy of their sweetheart.

Pro: Strongest female figure in their life at the moment.

While they are at school their mom (sister, aunt, grandmothers) are not around to tell them wrong from right, it is up to you to make sure they have their heads on straight. You are their female moral compass.

Con: Needy.

Momma’s boys without their moms can sometimes get a little overwhelming.

Pro: Get to watch sports with them.

Although it may be a sad rendition of the pro’s, you know you love how worked up they get over intramurals, and you’ll always be there with snacks and juice after a victory.

Con: They smell.

Those adorable group huddles after a win? So. Much. Stink.

Pro: Boys singing to you.

Men on their knees, serenading. Nothing is cuter, am I right?

Con: Need singing lessons.

They do not sound like Adam Levine, but they try.

Pro: Get use of kitchen.

Even if you aren’t the greatest baker, they will lie every time your cookies are dryer than the sub-Saharan desert.

Con: Cranky if not fed.

They are growing boys, watch your fingers when you finally feed them.

Pro: You are glorified by a group of attractive men.

Your self-confidence skyrockets every time you hear “Hi, Sweetheart” on campus.

Con: You are used as a recruitment tool.

Put your game face on girl, flirting with freshmen is a part of the job.

Pro: You always have a guy to “bro down” with.

Whether it’s a movie night, a game of whiffle ball or playing Thunderstruck, they are there for you in a heartbeat.

Con: They think you are a boy.

They will belch in your face with no remorse. Yuck.

Although there may be a few undesirable attributes, there will always be an incredibly higher number of benefits. Being afforded the honor of sweetheart means wearing their letters with pride and helping boys become men. I know that they will always have my back, and the only thing I had to do was basically love them (the baking, crafting, and feeding their egos doesn't hurt either).

There isn’t one sole thing that makes being a Sweetheart so satisfying when all of their unfavorable needs arise to the surface. However, there’s something about being applauded when walking into their chapter room when you have baked goods in hand, or being serenaded in public so sweetly your face turns bright red and your heart swells, or the way they always make you feel like the most special girl in their immediate lives (sorry girlfriends) that makes you always want to stick around, but I couldn’t imagine being a part of a better group of men.

Not a Fraternity. A Family.

Virtue. Diligence. Brotherly Love.