Let's go on a blast from the past and take it back to freshman year Bea. A girl who had no roommate for a semester and a half, shy as ever and had virtually no friends. Freshman year came and went and I remember telling myself that sophomore year should not and could not be the same way. I needed to get out of my bubble and do something spontaneous.
My older sister was part of a sorority and I saw how genuinely happy she was to be around her sorority sisters and how close they were. Deep down that is exactly what I wanted. So I took the chance, signed up to rush and the rest is history.
So, what has being in Alpha Omicron Pi taught me? Well for starters I have become a fearless and more confident woman. I've had girls telling me every day to remember to love yourself and not care what others have to say about you. This confidence boost has made me become one strong leader.
I have sisters who I can rely on for anything; I know that they've got my back. AOII has also taught me the importance of helping others in the best way that you can. Not just through our philanthropy events that help us raise money for arthritis, but in everyday life. The amount of sisters that are actively helping on campus and are a part of meaningful clubs and activities is simply outstanding.
Alpha Omicron Pi is my home away from home. I know that I have sisters willing to comfort me anytime I'm feeling down or homesick. You always have that best friend willing to drive to McDonald's or Dunkin Donuts at 2am no questions asked. You have people who you can laugh at inside jokes with that you know nobody else would understand.
It has become a place for me to be unapologetically me. Yes, I can be loud and weird at times, but it is a no judge zone. There is always the occasional sister who is willing to get down with you and your uniqueness.
My people skills have skyrocketed. Part of it is because I have so many sisters that come from different backgrounds than me and have helped me see things from various perspectives. We all have our differences, similarities, unique experiences and ones that we share. AOII is international, so the number of people that I've met from all over is so cool and eye-opening.
The creativity that I thought I didn't have has always been with me, I just needed to find a way to put it to good use. I have truly become one handy dandy crafter. I love the times I spend with different sisters cooking up a crafting masterpiece. I also learned how to live with glitter since it seems to never leave.
Without taking that chance and going Greek, I would have never met such an amazing group of girls. The bond that I have with my sisters is an unbreakable one. Wherever I am, I know that my sisterhood will be right there by my side.
