Growing up I was never the popular type. I wasn’t even the super quiet type, but rather someone in between. I always bounced from group to group, struggling to find my place. I always felt like the odd one out, who could never keep up. As high school went on, I hoped and prayed that once I was done here and went on to bigger and better things that I would be able to find my people. And more importantly, find myself.
Upon entering college, I was faced with a decision… do I stay the same person I have always been or do I take this as an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone, to push my boundaries and make the most of my life? I decided on the latter; however, it wasn’t until I chose a certain path that I found my home, my people, and myself.
The decision that changed my life was joining a sorority.
Going through recruitment was one of the most stressful experiences of my life, but over the process, I was able to learn about myself and really focus on what I valued. Opening my bid day card and seeing our letters instantly brought tears to my eyes. In opening that envelope I was opening a door to my future: one that is filled with hundreds of girls and countless experiences that I will cherish forever. Running home was one of the happiest moments of my life and was one of the first moments that I truly felt accepted and loved.
Joining an environment filled with over 100 girls of all different backgrounds, shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and races, I was able to step out of my comfort zone. The ladies don’t fit that stereotype that we constantly see on TV or in the movies. My sisters are normal girls like me. They have ambition. They have loyalty. They have kindness in their hearts and welcomed me unconditionally. They truly make me feel loved.
The bond of sisterhood is something that is hard to explain for those who have not experienced it firsthand. There is nothing like being connected with so many people instantly and knowing that no matter what they will always have your back and support you. From the late nights to the movie nights and everything in between, my sisters have helped me find out who I am.
They say that you meet your true friends in college, the ones who will be your bridesmaids and grow old together. It’s hard to imagine when you first get here but today I can honestly say without a doubt that all you will be with me through the ups and downs of life. When I look around our house I see my bridesmaids; I see the girls I’m going to go gray with; I see my family.
I finally feel like I belong because of all of you.
I feel like I can be myself and don't have to fit a mold of some perfect person to feel valued. For the first time in my life, I realize that who I am is good enough and my value is more than what I look like. It is about who I am on the inside. Joining a sorority helped me find myself, and for that, I am forever grateful to all of my beautiful sisters.
Love always,
Your sister