Dear sorority sisters,

First of all I want to say thank you. You all have touched my life in a special way, and I will forever be thankful for how my life has changed since I met you all. Although I am now graduated and I have joined the alumni chapter of my sorority, I will always reflect on all the amazing memories and life lessons I have been given through "going Greek."

Thank you for welcoming me.

When I went through sorority recruitment in fall 2011, I had no idea what to expect, and overall the process was very intimidating. From day one, you all made me feel at home, welcomed, and comfortable. Our conversations were easy, and I felt like I had met all of you at some point earlier in life. You all made a stressful and intimidating recruitment process enjoyable and welcoming.

Thank you for showing me true sisterhood.

I think we all can agree, being a girl sometimes can be very difficult. Girls can be mean, catty, and just downright evil. But having a group of supportive and loving sisters is truly amazing. You all have been there with me through thick and thin, and you've witnessed my best down to my worst. Growing up, I craved the thought of having a family full of sisters my age, and lucky for me, I gained 70 perfect ones during college. Thank you for showing me what it's like to have a true sister, although we may not be blood related, we will be sisters for life.

Thank you for listening.

College life can become super stressful, and sometimes a girl just needs to vent. Whether it's about being pissed at a low test grade, boyfriend problems, or just being upset for whatever reason. You all have been there to listen and let me unload my thoughts, and I will forever appreciate those memories.

Thank you for giving me advice.

I will never forget the countless times I ran to my Big or best friend asking for advice. Thank you for listening to me and caring to give me great advice because I have no idea where I would be now without it.

Thank you for helping me discover who I wanted to become.

I am more sure of who I want to be now than ever because of you all. My sisters have helped advise me on what to major in, how to determine my life goals, and are constantly teaching me life lessons. Entering college, I was very unsure of what direction I wanted to go in and where I could see myself in five years. After joining a sorority, I have matured, I have set life goals, and I am more sure of myself. You all have instilled confidence in me, and I'm so happy for my future.

Thank you for showing me I am not alone.

We can be faced with so many challenges throughout life, and it's refreshing knowing that I am not alone. The best reminder of this was when I received the news my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Immediately my family and I were shown an enormous amount of support, but I also found comfort in speaking with sisters whose mothers were also affected by breast cancer. It doesn't matter what challenge I'm faced with in life, because I know somewhere, someplace I have a sister who can relate and I am not alone.

Thank you for being my home away from home.

Although I only lived 15 minutes away from home, I have sisters that live 12 or more hours away. You all became my home away from home in college when I didn't believe that was even possible. Finding those friendships freshman year and building tight bonds with you all made leaving home easier. Some days, I did become homesick, but you all were there and always remained comforting during those weak times of mine.

I don't care what others perceive about what "being a sorority girl" entails, because I know that joining a sorority was the best decision I could have made, and I don't regret one second of it. You all have truly made my college experience "unforgettable." Thank you for being my second family, my home away from home, and the sisters I always wanted. "It's not four years, it's for life."