Going into my first year of college, I had never even considered the idea of joining a sorority. To me, "Greek Life" just seemed like something that was other-worldly, something completely outside of my character. So when Spring 2016 rolled around and Formal Sorority Recruitment approached, I caught myself off-guard when I found myself registering for recruitment. Did I expect to get much out of it? Definitely not. In the beginning, I'll admit, I went through the whole process "for fun," and "to see what might happen".

Nine months, one bid, and one initiation into the Epsilon Nu chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau later, I can safely say that my life has changed in more ways than I can count. People often ask me, "Wow, so aren't you basically just, ya know, paying for your friends?" And while yes, we do pay membership dues, and these dues aren't necessarily affordable to some, we don't just pay for "the friendship." Membership dues cover a wide range of costs and expenses -- however, the finances of it all is not my focus here.

Being a part of a sorority has given me so much more than a bunch of girls that I get to call my friends, solely because we are all a part of the same organization. As cheesy and cliché as it may sound, I have discovered a sisterhood that I will be a part of for the rest of my life. I know you all have probably heard the same things a thousand times from every sorority girl you come across, but I don't think one can truly understand what we mean until it is experienced first-hand. Our sisterhood isn't just taking cute Instagram photos, going to parties on the weekend, or wearing cute letters around campus to show our Greek pride -- these things are just a bonus.

Behind all of the stigma around sororities, and aside from all of the exciting events that occurred when I first joined AST -- Bid Day, Big-Little Reveal, Initiation -- I was not just "Bailey Cook, Member of Alpha Sigma Tau." I was a part of a new family; and just like every other family, we are not perfect. We have our ups, our downs, and our disagreements. But we are a family -- a family where I feel loved and accepted, where I have peace of mind knowing I can be who I truly am.

Again, you've probably heard this all before. So let me deviate from the typical "srat" girl clichés, and explain why I love my paid-for friends so much. From seeing a sister in the library or dining hall, or spotting a girl in the same Greek letters as me from across the courtyard, I will always know at least one person around me. Whether it's 5 o'clock in the evening or 3 o'clock in the wee hours of the morning, someone is bound to be available to talk things out with. Having a sister in the same class means we can cry together when finals week comes around. When in need of a cute outfit, I have about 45 different closets I can choose from. I could go on and on about all of the little things my sisters do for me, but I will leave it at that for now. I mean, I don't have all year to write this article after all.

I never expected to be associated with a social Greek organization, and I definitely didn't expect to love it as much as I do. Greek Life is not for everyone, but I can easily say it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have changed since joining my sorority -- but it has been in the greatest of ways possible. The dollar amount on my semesterly bills is not something I ignore. But that measly number comes no where close to everything my sisters have given me. This family, this sisterhood in which I have been so graciously accepted, has blessed me with more than I could ever pay for with cash. So, if this is what life is like when you pay for your friends, then I think I'm okay with that.