They say freshman year is the best year of college, whoever 'they' is. And for the most part, it was pretty fantastic. But sophomore year definitely topped it. Moving into the Pi Phi Palace was a little overwhelming at first. I mean I know what living with siblings is like, but going from being the only child living at home to living with 35 GIRLS is a lot to take in. That might be every guy's dream, but for a girl that can cause so many issues if you really think about it. Living with 35 girls was what I expected and more, so thank you for:

1. Unlimited dance parties – Remember that one time we left an exchange and went to McDonald’s to come home to a dance party in the dining room? We cleared off the tables and danced on them for hours - or until 3 a.m. (Sorry Maggie). Pi Beta Elevated Surfaces.
2. Distractions in the study room – The study room started the year as being that quiet place to get your work done. But then it turned into a room where we talk, eat and definitely don’t get our work done. Although we still managed to get Most Improved GPA. *snaps*
3. Making the kitchen a hot spot – So many memories were made in the kitchen. Whether it was a break from homework or having a place to drunkenly talk about our night, the kitchen was always there for us.
4. Making the dining room the sports zone – Erin was always watching sports, duh. But when there were big games on (STL vs. Chicago) everyone gathered in the dining room like it was a Drake concert.
5. Being a no judgment zone – College is crazy and busy and you start to realize who you are. We all make mistakes, but at the end of the day no one judged you for the choices you made and we were there for each other.
6. Opening up 35 closets to me – Who needs to go shopping when you have 35 other options. There is no possible way you could be without an outfit. EVER.
7. Making me realize privacy isn’t thing – No matter if you were changing or just hanging out in your room, people just walked in and started a conversation. By the end of the year there was basically nothing we hadn’t seen.
8. Going out, staying in or going to Dons/Sonic is a very acceptable thing – Most of the time we chose the first option. But when you have test and projects, ritual or a day keg in the morning, staying in is the best idea. Who knew Sonic could be fun?
9. Not needing to have music – We didn't bother getting Spotify Premium, Sig Chi and Phi Tau always had us covered on music.
10. Helping with boy problems – With 35 girls in the house, that meant 35 hugs, 70 shoulders to cry on and 35 different people’s advice. Maybe a dance party will help?
11. Rolling deep – No matter where you’re going there always a pack of Pi Phi’s behind you. People will notice and it will be announced, “The Palace is here!”
12. Sharing the highs & lows of the day – IL Theta went through it all. Especially the Spring semester. No matter what happened to a person or the chapter, we all stuck together.
13. Matching the rest of house when we get new clothes – We have new date party crewnecks? Cool, let’s all wear them on Monday.
14. Fomo is even more real – When half the house is gone, you realize how close you are to people and how much time you spend with them. The house isn't the same without them there.
15. Making me hate winter and summer break – Without your sisters by your side, breaks are hard. You can’t just run down the hall to see your best friend.
16. Never letting me go to bed at a decent time – No, I didn’t miss out on sleep because of homework, I missed out on sleep because my sisters are amazing and funny.
17. Always being able to laugh with someone – No matter the situation, we were always laughing. Remember the one time I blew up the microwave? Yeah, Maggie was screaming at me, but it was funny.
18. Chapter Gatherings at the house – Whether it was chapter or sisterhood events at house, it’s so fun to see everyone in the same place.
19. Pranks – Those nights we did the condom challenge 17 times or put Kylee’s mattress in the elevator were so fun, until Kyle told on us and go the elevator shut off… Thanks Ky.

Sophomore year was definitely one for the books and I can’t thank my sisters enough for these incredible memories. We’re out Pi Phi Palace, hopefully you treat the next pledge class as well as you treated us.