Growing up I was always considered to be a tom-boy. Skirts? No. Cheerleading? No. Pink? Oh HECK no. I grew up in basketball shorts and a cotton, sports-related Tee. This girl played soccer, liked the color green and even played on a boy's lacrosse team. I was the true definition of "one of the boys".

Now, when you picture a sorority, do you see this basketball short wearing, ponytail sporting, wrestling people to the ground little girl there? Probably not. I know I sure didn't. The first semester of college I didn't even see myself there. When I thought about a sorority, I thought about the color pink, fake people, and stuck-up rich girls. The key word in all of these ideas however, is THOUGHT. As in past tense.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I think I could make an argument convincing enough to to change the mind of that stubborn little girl I used to be. Being in a sorority is everything I could ever hope for, and more. I know that this all sounds super cliche, trust me I get it. In fact, some people are probably rolling their eyes right now as they picture me possibly wiping away a tear of joy as I brag about how my sorority is the best in the world and is absolutely life changing. Many people have probably even heard 100's of times from all us "SRAT girls" out there about how it's not "four years, but for life".

But in actuality, I am sitting here typing away on my laptop in my running shorts and wiping away the sweat that's dripping down my face. Is that what you think of, when you think of a sorority girl?

I don't know about you, but that image right there? That's exactly what I see. I am a Kappa Kappa Gamma. But I am also an honors student and a member of my school's educational fellowship. I am a varsity lacrosse player and a mentor with the juvenile court system. I am a hard worker and someone who is known to be both extremely passionate, and compassionate. I am me.

Now, I am going to let in on a little secret: there is not such thing as a sorority girl. "Why is that?", you may ask. Well the truth is that even though we are all members of some type of sorority, we are also individuals. There is no such thing as a sorority girl because any kind of girl has what it takes to be in a sorority. Your mind is blown right?

Yes, it is true that I love to wear my letters whenever I can and I attend chapter on Sundays and meetings occasionally too. Heck I am even going to an all Kappa leadership conference this week! But the thing is being in a sorority does not define you as one type of person. It only adds on to who you are. For instance, my sisters make me more confident. My sisters make me feel extremely loved and it makes me a way more happy and loving person. My sisters support me in my decisions making me feel as if I am strong enough to do anything. I am a better person because of my sisters.

Not only has being in a sorority made me an even more unique person, but my sisters have been there for me in more ways then I can count. When I couldn't find a ride back from the airport this summer, multiple sisters offered to grab me even if it was out of their way. When I am alone at lunch, a sister always comes and invites me to sit down with them. When the stands are practically empty at my games, I can count on the fact that my sisters will be there. When one of my sisters found out I hadn't had food from the local hotspot she bought me their signature dish. This love between all of us extends way further than just everyday gestures however.

Coming into my second semester of freshman year I was anxious, sad, and homesick. The last thing I wanted to do then was go back to school. I had even considered transferring because I was so unhappy. The second week back however, I decided on a last minute whim to sign up for formal rushing. I had heard girls on my campus using words like "family", "love", and "friendship" to describe being in a sorority at OWU. All three of things things were feelings I absolutely needed in my life at the time. So, I thought, "why not give it a try?" After four days of talking to tons of people, standing in freezing temperatures, and shuffling around form house to house, I found where I was meant to be. A Kappa I became, and a home I found. Those older girls were not wrong when they said being a sorority meant love, family, and friendship. I found all of these things in my home. Kappa filled a big whole in my heart that was dragging me down. I don't know where I would be now without it.

I know that I have gone on and on about just how amazing being a sorority is, but I just have to leave you with a few more thoughts. Remember, you do not have to fit the sorority, the sorority will fit to you. If you ever think you may not be a stereotypical "sorority girl" think again. Everyone is unique in each house and there is no one "sorority girl". if you rush, you may not end up as a Kappa like me, and that is okay. But you will find your home wherever that may be. There is always that place for each special girl: for the athletes, the artists, the book nerds (like me), the dancers, the scientists and everything in between.

Take a chance, go greek! You might be surprised with what you find.