When I transferred to a university from a community college almost two years ago, I had no idea joining Greek life would have such a huge impact on me. I knew I was interested in joining, a few of my friends from home were in sororities at the university I was transferring to, and I was curious about all the hype. I knew being involved in a sorority might be difficult for someone who has the major that I do, with so many outside commitments and extra time that is necessary to spend outside of the classroom to truly succeed, but I was willing to take the risk and join a sisterhood who would support me in my school goals and post-grad aspirations.

Rush week was crazy, I met so many amazing girls in different chapters, and it truly was a difficult decision at the end of the week deciding between my last two chapter choices. Although it was difficult, I knew where I felt I most belonged and where I felt most comfortable.

I received my bid to the Alpha Omicron Pi Delta Pi chapter at the University of Central Missouri at the end of rush week, and I was ecstatic.

Little did I know, I was about to meet some of the best friends and sisters I could have ever hoped for.

My time in the chapter was shorter than I had hoped, and my time able to spend in chapter activities was limited due to prior commitments, but the times I was able to see my sisters was always so rewarding.

Walking across campus and seeing so many women who shared the bond of sisterhood with you is an awesome feeling. Knowing that there are 100 women who would be there for you in a time or crisis or just be there to join you on a late night trip to taco bell is something that you hold dear and don't ever want to take for granted.

I have watched girls enter the chapter as freshmen and by the end of their freshmen year, grow leaps and bounds towards becoming well-rounded, intelligent, confident women.

Alpha Omicron Pi has not only helped so many women grow into the people they want to become, but it has truly helped me. My confidence has grown from being around such positive, driven women that I am lucky enough to call my sisters.

Being in a sorority is not about my family status or the clothes I wear, it is about the values I try to live out every day. Being in a sorority is not about what I look like, or paying for my friends, it is about surrounding myself with women who motivate me, support me and challenge me to become a better person.

Being a part of a sorority means surrounding yourself with passionate, strong, confident women who stand by you in your hardest of times and celebrate with you during your happiest. Sure we wear letters and throw up hand symbols for the sake of our Instagram pictures, but this is not what we are about. Being in a sorority is about a shared respect for the sisters around you, it is about raising money for a philanthropy we are all passionate about, it is about growing, challenging and inspiring the woman around us who we call sisters.

So thank you Alpha Omicron Pi for the past two years. For being a home away from home, for the friendships, and the unconditional love.

I will carry the values of an Alpha Omicron Pi woman for the rest of my life.

Alpha love and all of mine, my sisters.