In the next couple of days, I will be going alum. In the three stages of being in a sorority (new member, collegian, and alum) being alum is almost like graduating. You go into the next stage of your life and can come back to events to see everyone. I joined last year as a freshman, and I will miss these girls so much when I transfer to another college. I’ve had so many great memories in the short year that I have been in the sorority. From the day I joined, to watching my little get initiated recently. I wouldn’t trade any of it because those memories will last a lifetime.

I was starting over when I came to college, with none of my friends joining me at Southeastern. I wasn’t sure at first if I wanted to go through recruitment, but my family encouraged me to go through, so I decided to give it a shot. I fell in love with Theta Phi Alpha the moment I walked into the house on preference. I knew at that moment that I would be running home the next day to the girls I would call my sisters. Bid day was full of emotions because I was so excited to be a part of something so amazing. I knew I made the right decision once I walked into the house on bid day and saw so many amazing girls that I am able to call my sisters.

The new member meetings were always interesting during my first semester. Because of these meetings, I was able to get to know my new member class so much better. The next big thing I will never forget was when I got my big on reveal day. I remember being so nervous that entire day. Then, when it came time I was the first one to go with another girl. Then, I was relieved to find out my big was who I wanted, and I was so excited to be a part of the family. We are perfect together and I don’t think I tell her enough how much I love her. I’ve always been the oldest, so it is nice to have a big sis to be able to look up to. I don’t think I would’ve made it this far without my big by my side.

Within the next couple of weeks, we were initiated into Theta Phi Alpha. It was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen.

Then, fall recruitment happens. I am going to miss this so much. This is one of the few times that we were all together and having a good time. From late practices preparing for recruitment to being up late setting up for the next day of recruitment. This is one of my favorite memories even though we didn’t get a lot of sleep that week. I think that’s what I loved the most- that we were all delusional-tired and having a good time while recruiting our new members.

I later met who would become my little. I know every big brags about their little, but I love her and she is perfect in every way. I wouldn’t want anyone else to be my one and only little. From having to avoid her that entire week to finally initiating her, it has been the best feeling yet.

I have bought so many shirts over the year, but every one of the shirts was well worth the money. Theta Phi Alpha is my wardrobe and I will still wear the shirts as an alum because I am proud to be a part of this sorority.

Lastly, I just want to say thank you. Thank you to all of my sisters who have believed in me when I was ready to quit. Thank you for being the shoulder for me to cry on or to vent to about something. Thank you for pushing me to do my best and being the sisters I never had.