Some people rush because they grew up not knowing what having sisters was like and they desperately wanted to find a group of girls who would have their backs, like sisters do. I rushed because I was now three hours away from my sisters. Even though we spent most of childhood fighting and at that point I wasn't too sappy about being away from them, college would teach me to appreciate them the hard way.
I came to college hoping to find new beginnings and make lifetime friendships. I thought the best way to do that was to commit myself to an organization of 150 girls who all swore to have have my back. Literally, we swear to have each other's backs. However, that wasn't the only place I found friendship. I found it in math class, in the dining hall and at football games.
Still, something always seemed to be missing. It wasn't until the end of my second semester that it really, clicked. The only people who will always stand by my side, are now three hours away. As much as I love Charlotte, I started to hate it the more that people there began to let me down. I wanted to get away and get a fresh start and it was coming back to bite me in the ass. The only people I could really depend on were too far away to hold me when I cry and stand up for me when I'm too humble and kind to stand up for myself.
College made me appreciate my sisters in a way that I never thought I would. I thought they were against me, that they didn't understand me and that they didn't even really like me. I guess that's what made me feel like I had to go three hours away just to find people who would accept me for who I am. I was so wrong. It was me who didn't understand them. I learned that even though I'm different than my sisters, we're still sisters. I thought that my sorority was more dependable than my family and I'm ashamed of that. No one will ever have my back and love me the way my family does.
For those who are getting ready to leave home for college and may be terribly annoyed by their parents or siblings, stop for a second. I know what I say won't mean much, but the bond with your family is what will get you through everything. Not your future roommate, not the girl in your math class, not even your sorority sisters (#GoGreek) can compare to family. My freshman year would have been a lot easier if I would have relied on my family for support and advice. I thought I knew everything, but I was wrong. I needed them just as much as they needed me.
To my sisters,
Thank you for loving every part of me. Thank you for being honest with me even if I don't like it sometimes. Thank you for never letting someone talk about me in front of you. Thank you for being there when I didn't listen to your advice, and not rubbing it in my face that you were right. Thank you for being willing to stand up for me when I can't. Thank you for being you.
Love,
Your little sister
