Going to a small school, I knew that finding groups to be involved in would be crucial if I didn't want to die of boredom on a daily basis. I tried out a few, and they just didn't suit me, but I had never given Greek life the time of day. After going to my first interest party, I realized that had been a huge mistake. Admittedly, I didn't have a great picture of what a sorority was in my head, which I blame a lot on how media portrays them (that could be an entire article itself). Somehow, one night of sitting around chatting and introductions managed to turn my thoughts around, and I found myself desperately hoping to get a bid and become a sister myself. Cheesy as it may be, accepting my bid was one of the best things I did my freshman year. I haven't known everyone for incredibly long, but time doesn't define my love for them. This is for them.

To my pledge class...

There were definitely days that we were at each others' throats, and I'm sure there will be more in the future, but I still love you guys. We got to know each other collectively as we learned the ins and the outs of our new sisterhood together, and I wouldn't have wanted to do that with anyone else. Everyone has their quirks and brought their own things to the table, but we got along well as a unit (most times). Some of us were friends going into it, and I'm grateful for how much closer this brought us. I probably would have never met some of you if we hadn't pledged together, so I'm glad you shared my desire for a place to fit in. I look forward to our years ahead moving forward together, and I know that we'll go far.

To my tree...

I frequently annoy you all with texts about how much I love you, so it's not a secret that you hold a special place in my heart already. You've helped me more than you could ever know, and the fact that the three of you are such incredible people will always motivate me to push myself. I won't be the sour apple in the bunch. We didn't have to do anything fancy together, usually froyo dates or watching TV marathons, for me to feel like I belonged there. I know without a doubt that if I needed anything I could call any of you and you'd be there, no matter what. I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciate each of you for who you are and what you have to offer as a person, you are so special to me. Please remember that whenever we inevitably fight. No matter how much we could ever butt heads, I'll always love you at the end of the night.

To the sisters that just moved on...

I was just joining this sisterhood as you were wrapping up your time there, and I wish that hadn't been the case. We were at very different parts of our lives, and because of that you taught me so much. While more time to get to know you and share more laughs would have been nice, I'm happy to have had the time that I did. Truly, you're all gems. I know that I'll never know you like the other sisters did, but I know that you're going to do amazing things, and the sorority has given me the opportunity to watch that happen. I'd be lying if I said I didn't look up to you at least a little. No matter how short our time was, I still love you, even though I'm starting to sound like a broken record.

I can't call out everyone individually, because this would turn into a novel, not an article, but know that everyone in this sorority is important to me. I love learning from all of you, and I wouldn't want to get dressed up with, or match anyone else on a weekly basis. I can't explain how much you've changed my life; there is no other place I could have found such an open environment to express myself and my views to open minds. I was welcomed with open arms and I can't wait to do the same for new girls with you. To the one person who pushed me to join, thank you. I can't say thank you enough, and I'm beyond happy that we've done this together. I firmly believe that home is not a specific place, but people that give you the sense of home, and I have found that in my sorority. It's an irreplaceable feeling. I look forward to plenty of late nights, laughs, tears and defining moments with all of you. One last time, I love you tons.