To my incredible Big and Grand-Big,

I never thought that I would be writing you this letter. The main reason is because I never imagined myself to be a part of such an organization. I never viewed myself as a "sorority girl," nor did anyone else. Being a part of greek life, more often than not, has such a negative reputation. However, the both of you have taught me the importance of defying those standards, embracing my individuality and making a difference.

When I went through my rush process and visited our rush room, I knew that some of the people who I was speaking to would eventually become a part of my tree. That reality was so stressful to think about. When I accepted the bid on bid day, I was overwhelmed with nervousness and excitement about my thoughts becoming a reality. Would my big and I be anything like one another? Would we get along and support each other when we needed it? Would she become someone I would consider to be one of my best friends? I must have been extremely lucky, because I became a part of the most incredible tree possible, and my branch contributes to so much of my happiness.

The two of you became people that I don't just consider my "sisters" or "a branch of a tree," but people who I can spill my heart out to when I'm stressed. You are both people that I can be myself with, friends that I can embarrass myself in front of without judgement, and the girls that I know I will have in my life forever. They say that college friends are the ones that you keep for life, and I can guarantee that we will all be sitting next to one another on one of our outdoor porches in 80 years, talking about our college experience and the years that followed.

You both are such inspirations to me. The passion the both of you have has inspired me to be the best person possible. You both contribute so much to our sorority, taking on major leadership roles and constantly making a difference and bettering our chapter. You are both the older sisters I never had, the friends I was lucky enough to find, and the additional family that has my back whenever I need it.

I hope you both don't read this and laugh at how sappy I am, because I know my heartfelt expressions can get the best of me sometimes. However, I hope the both of you are aware of how much you have changed my life. The bond that we continue to share is one of the most special relationships I have ever had, and that completely goes against the negative reputation of what sorority girls are thought to be.

Although I was hesitant about rushing in the first place, I am so glad that I eventually became part of something that taught me the importance of friendship, leadership, and most of all, family.