I was never sure about Greek life. Few people in my family had gone Greek, but both of my older brothers had joined fraternities. They both had developed unbreakable bonds with some of the people they met through their organizations, but I was just never able to decide if I wanted to give it a shot myself. When I transferred universities, it seemed like the perfect opportunity though to finally give Greek life a try once and for all, and that's how I found Theta Phi Alpha.
I knew the reputations. I knew the stereotypes. Honestly, how could I not? But still, I went in with an open mind when recruitment came around, and I fell in love with Theta Phi Alpha. The women, the philanthropy, the sisterhood and the real conversations we were having sold me on the chapter and organization. It's been two years, and I just can't imagine my college experience without Theta Phi. It's because of 10 women in 1912 at the University of Michigan I am able to have the memories and experiences I have had and the chance to continue making them.
I decided to ask sisters from around the nation and my own chapter how they felt about Theta Phi Alpha, and here is what they told me.
"When I transferred to SUNY Plattsburgh, I never imagined Greek life would be for me, not in a million years. I joined a club on campus and that's where I met Kelsey (my future big), and she started talking about Theta Phi. She talked about it with such high regards that I started to become interested. I decided to attend the last recruitment event of the semester, and there are no words to explain how fast I fell in love. The new semester arrived, and I found myself at every event, falling in love more and more each time. As bid day got closer, I felt myself terrified that they didn't like me as much as I like them. That's when I got my bid, and I cried I was so happy. I could talk about how much I wanted to give back to Theta Phi, but that's a lot, so more importantly, what Theta Phi gave to me: I have gained 50+ incredible women to call my sisters to make me feel special in ways I didn't know could happen. They're there to remind you that on a bad day you can be helped up and to celebrate your successes with you. I've never had such a support system like I do with these women. Even as an alumna, I get encouraging messages to remind me that I am a sister now and forever. Theta Phi isn't just for four years or college; it's for life. These are the women I will call my bridesmaids and the ones I will laugh with forever. I can't thank Theta Phi enough for everything I've learned from growing as a person to the lessons I've learned with leadership." – Gabby Blasko, SUNY Plattsburgh, Delta Alpha chapter
"As s transfer student from an all-girl college, I joined Greek life for sisters, philanthropy and to be surrounded by bomb women, and that is exactly what I found in Theta Phi." – Molly Paz, University of Cincinnati, Epsilon chapter
"I joined Theta Phi because I felt that this was a place where I could grow into the best type of woman I could be. I felt that the girls were the most genuine and kind people I have ever met, and I wanted to be just like them." – Katie Donaho, Rockhurst University, Gamma Nu chapter
"As a sophomore, I joined Theta Phi during informal recruitment to be involved with something bigger than myself."– Raygene Skrinak, University of Cincinnati, Epsilon chapter
"I joined Theta Phi because I wanted to make lasting friendships with people I wouldn't otherwise meet, who would hold the same values as me. I know that the work I have done and the people I have met through Theta Phi will stay with me forever." Amshula Divadkar, Merrimack College, Beta Psi chapter
"I joined Greek life to have my home away from home, and I found that in Theta Phi." – Danielle Gardner, University of Cincinnati, Epsilon chapter
"I joined TPA because I felt at home. The feeling I got every time I was with the girls, I knew this is where I belonged. One sister said, "Everything happens for a reason," and that was my quote for rush week! The feeling when you know the dress is the one is the feeling I got during preference night. I knew I made the right choice! They were just as goofy, crazy, caring and honest as I am! I'm truly thankful for every one of my sisters!" - Mikayla Cruickshank, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Mu chapter
"Theta Phi has given me a group of people I can relate to." – Emmalese Nuerge, University of Cincinnati, Epsilon chapter
"When I received a bid from TPA, I wasn't sure about joining, but my Rho Gam made me go to bid night, and if I didn't like it after that, than I could drop. On bid night, I fell in love with the chapter, and we ended up going and getting Mexican food and talking all night. TPA wasn't my first choice, but now, I wouldn't have it any other way! I love it!" – Samantha Burdine, University of Indiana, Bloomington: Zeta chapter
"I joined Theta Phi to become a part of a wonderful organization on campus and to meet girls who could bring out the best in me." – Rashel Roberts, University of Cincinnati, Epsilon chapter
"I joined Theta Phi because I wanted to join a group of ladies that had the same values my parents raised me with and that led by example in the fraternity and on campus." – Zaira Espinosa, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, Gamma Zeta chapter
"I joined Theta Phi Alpha to create life-long bonds with women who hold sacred the same values that I do." – Melissa Dysinger, University of Cincinnati: Epsilon chapter
"I joined because Theta Phi felt like home with girls who have the same values and morals that I do." – Sofia Geiler, University of Cincinnati: Epsilon chapter
Theta Phi has given me everything these women say it has given them. I have been given friendships that will last me a lifetime, nights I will never forget and an endless amount of TPA gear. What's even better, though, is that my final years in college have been surrounded by inspiring women who hold the same morals as myself and encourage me to be the best I can be. Theta Phi Alpha is sacred. It's special; it's unforgettable, and it is for the rest of our lives.
Ever loyal, ever lasting.
