If you know me on a personal level then you would know that I'm heavily involved in Greek life. Since day one of starting Saint Leo University I wanted to be a part of a sisterhood. In fact, before I was able to go out I already knew in my head where I wanted to go. When I finally had the chance to go out for recruitment (Greek life at Saint Leo calls it going out and not rushing) it was nothing like I expected. I was expecting craziness and women trying to impress me while not being themselves. But in reality, I met some of the most down to earth women. Once I finally received my bid day card inviting me into my sisterhood, I jumped out of my chair and ran to the Rho Chi that I knew was now my sister. Later that night, I ran home and revealed what sisterhood I was apart of. It was one of the most amazing feelings. I had never felt so important and wanted in my life. I had felt like I finally found where I belonged and I didn't want it to end. This being said, I say sisterhood instead of sorority because that's what I joined. I didn't just join a sorority of women. I joined a sisterhood of amazing, independent women that all have something unique about them, yet we all share the same values.

Now I have been in my sisterhood for a year now and have accomplished a lot. I've been blessed to have leadership roles on executive board and participated in national events. I've gained amazing friendships that I will cherish forever. I've been given the chance to be mentored by an amazing role model. Now, I am able to pass down all the knowledge I have learned to my new sisters.

I have a lot to be thankful for. I am one of the few lucky ones who is still happy to be apart of a sisterhood as great as mine. Now, don't get me wrong of course I'm not always happy with how things are handled. But I am a member of a chapter with over sixty women. There is no way to avoid conflict and drama arising occasionally. Especially when it has to do with a handful of females who are all strong, independent, and intelligent women.

Despite the tears and fights that I have encountered from time to time, I would never leave or truly think about dropping my letters. I wanted to join a sisterhood for a reason, and not just a sorority. A sisterhood isn't something that you sign up for one day and leave the next. Today, I hear more and more how women and men from Greek life dropped their letters and it's heart breaking. If you really do believe in a sisterhood then you know it's not just something that you pay for. You don't pay to have friends and tee shirts, then drop it when you don't like them anymore. True sisters are there for you no matter what and won't allow you to think about leaving. Instead, they pick up the phone when you call at 2 AM crying your eyes out. They are your support system when you find out that you have a serious health issue. They are someone that you're able to sing High School Musical or Hannah Montana with at the top of your lungs. But most importantly, they're someone that is there no matter what.

This being said, I'm known for getting passionate about my sisterhood. At times I can be pushy; I understand that. But ultimately, I'm pushing for a stronger and better sisterhood. Not only within my own sisterhood, but in all of Greek life. At the end of the day we are all one big family. Greek men and women can change the world with the skills that we learn. We're not just a silly club that we can leave whenever we want. We're a life time of commitment; When you are initiated you're committing your loyalty, respect, passion, and everything inside you to that organization. So if you're thinking about going out for Greek life, go for it! But truly think about it and what you're trying to accomplish being apart of sisterhood or brotherhood. Because, as I stated before, you're not joining Greek life for a t-shirt, family line, or cute pictures to post. You're joining because you want to improve yourself and impact others.

To my local chapter of sisters and national sisters:

Thank you for each and every one of you for allowing me to be your sister. At the end of the day, I could never imagine leaving such a beautiful and strong sisterhood. We may go through rough patches from time to time and maybe even question why we joined. However, speaking on my own, I would never leave or intentionally hurt anyone. I respect everyone's flaws and differences. In fact, I look up to everyone because you all teach me so many things. Everyone of you allow me to grow and become a better person. I thank you for allowing me to be a part of this craziness and giving me grace. I can't promise to always be perfect and do the right thing, but I can promise I will work extremely hard to show you how proud I am to be your sister.

With much love.