As my senior year is coming to an end, I have been thinking about everything you have done for me. You have taught me integrity, personal and intellectual growth, honor and respect, philanthropic service to others, but most importantly, sincere friendship. So Pi Phi, this is my thank you.

When graduating from high school, joining a sorority was the furthest thing from my mind. I know every girl says this going through recruitment but seriously, joining a sorority was not my thing. I didn’t have many girlfriends in school except for my competition cheerleading team; they were family. I also loved doing "boy" things. I loved playing football and baseball and just hanging with the guys. They were the "nice ones" in high school.

I started college in the spring of 2013, so when July came around, I had to make a decision to rush or go through UCF on my own. My parents finally talked me into signing up ... just to see how I liked it. It was finally here: the first day of recruitment and where was my first house? Pi Beta Phi. The doors flung open to the little blue cottage and the song “Perfect Day” blared from the house. My first thought was, “What am I getting myself into?” but then I talked to a sister and I knew Pi Phi was where I wanted to be. I could tell from that first day that Pi Phi was a group of girls who were super down to earth and easy to talk to. Pi Phi was the place for me and then bid day came around and I couldn’t wait to run home to my new sisters.

Now here I am: my senior year. Looking back at what I have accomplished at my time at UCF, I have realized that none of it would be possible without my sisters. I admit I needed some personal growth – I mean, who doesn’t as a freshman in college? My sisters are the ones who helped me grow into the person I am today. They taught me to care more about others than myself. Not one of my sisters has ever turned their back on me and have been there for me whenever I needed them and boy, have I needed them. They taught me how to give back to the community in whatever way possible. Whether it was raising over $10,000 for literacy or over $3,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness. They taught me how to help others when they need it. They taught me how to be successful in everything I put my heart into, which led me to getting some amazing jobs. They taught me something, however, that I will cherish forever ... how to be a better person.

My sisters mean more to me than they will ever know. They are the most laid back, selfless people and are truly one of a kind. I can’t imagine being in a different chapter and I can’t imagine being where I am today without the support of my sisters. Pi Phi isn’t just for college, it is for life. These girls will be there for me for the rest of my life. So thank you, Pi Beta Phi, for making me a better me.