I was extremely nervous coming into college. I wasn’t sure about how I was going to make friends or work up the courage to go up to people that I don’t know. I was leaving my home- the place where I was most comfortable and coming to a place where I was completely out of my element. Because of this, I was so nervous about rushing.

I knew that I wanted to rush, but I wasn’t sure if any of the sororities would like me or if I would even like them. And to be completely honest with you, rush was a nightmare. It was the three longest days of my life. I was so stressed out and my mind was all over the place. But, rush was worth it. Because, in the end, I was placed in the sorority where I belonged. I had found the girls who would become my lifeline through college: I had found my family.

Since that first day of being in a sorority, I have made so many more friends and memories than I could’ve dreamed of. Not only do we have awesome themed formals and philanthropies, but we also have cozy movie nights and dance breaks when we are going insane trying to study for finals.

Walking around campus is easy now because I will see someone in my sorority and instantly be greeted with a friendly face. Being in a sorority has helped me branch out and explore new opportunities at college while improving my social skills.

But most importantly, my sorority has given me my best friends at college. I’ve developed a bond with them that is irreplaceable and it wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t rush. I don’t know what I would do without them in my life and I’m eternally grateful to my sorority for giving me them.

They are always there for me when something goes either right or wrong in my life. They celebrate with me on days like my birthday and comfort me on days when I’m not feeling myself. These girls will always have my back and will constantly be cheering me on no matter where we all go in life. It really is true when they say in college you make your friends for life.

I could not be more grateful for my supportive and insanely talented sisters for helping shape my college experience.