I know this sounds incredibly cliché, but coming into college as a nervous, timid freshman, I had no interest in joining a sorority. I had never thought of myself as a “sorority girl.” When I first heard that Kappa Delta’s mission was building confidence in young women, I immediately thought, I need to be a part of this organization. That was exactly the kind of woman that I wanted to be. I decided to take a chance, and I’ve never looked back since.

To be honest, I didn’t really know who I was until I came to college; I was still trying to figure it out. Kappa Delta allowed me to be myself around these girls, without ever feeling like I had to try to “fit in.” I will admit, I am a little awkward, I laugh at my own jokes and can sometimes be incredibly sarcastic, but they love me anyway. If it weren’t for the sorority, I wouldn’t have met some of my best friends. Thank you for giving me unbreakable friendships and lifelong sisters. It’s crazy to think that if it hadn’t been for the sorority, I probably would have never met most of these amazing women.

Because of my sisters, I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this incredible organization. I have a lot of pride in being able to stand next to some of the hardest working, dedicated, and driven women I’ve ever met. Being able to listen to every sister share her story is so incredibly heartwarming; it makes me proud to be a part of it. I look around the room during chapter, and I think about how these girls are what motivate me to be better version of myself, and strive for greatness. They have taught me to never give up, even when life tries to test you.

Thank you for always challenging me and pushing me to do my best while striving academically, socially, and personally. The opportunities I have been given have not only helped me grow as a person, but I have also learned about others in the process. Without these ladies, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.

I have managed to accomplish more at college than I ever thought I would, and I have it all to thank to the newfound confidence I found. I studied abroad in Italy for a semester. Each summer I’ve worked at different internships across the U.S., and I even got to work backstage at New York Fashion Week. If it wasn’t for Kappa Delta instilling those values into me in the first place, I don’t know if I would have had the confidence I did to take advantage of as many opportunities that were available for me.

And so, Kappa Delta, thank you for always being my greatest support system. Thank you for turning me into the strong, confident woman that I am today. Thank you for introducing me to some of the greatest people I’ve ever known. And finally, thank you for teaching me to always strive for that which is honorable, beautiful and highest.