If anyone has read my previous article or know me personally, you would know that I am an only girl with three brothers. The one thing I always wanted was a sister. When it came time to think about college like where I wanted to go, what I wanted to major in, etc.; I was never too certain on any of it. The only thing I was absolutely sure of was that I wanted to go through sorority recruitment.
Sisterhood, by definition, is an association, society, or community of women linked by a common interest, religion, or trade. Truthfully, that definition is not that far off. There are so many things that go into what we call sisterhood and if you are looking for one general definition that could definitely be it. But to me, sisterhood cannot be defined by one sentence alone. The act of sisterhood is more than just words on a page. This past week I spent hours day in and day out alongside my sorority sisters for our sisterhood week. Crazy right? For anyone who has seen my sorority house, or sorority row, knows that our house just isn't all that large. You can just imagine it right? Let me tell you this though, although it was crazy and stressful, it was probably one of the best weeks of my life.
In this day and age, Greek life is heavily judged based upon the silly stereotypes that Hollywood movies portray and the few negative stories that may come to the surface. Let me be the first to tell you: we are not a stereotype. Before I came to college I was a huge fan of the hit TV series "Greek" which aired on ABC Family from 2007-2011. Even now I still enjoy the show, but watching it before I came to college meant that, even from that one show, I had this preconceived notion in my head about Greek life. Actually joining Greek life and my sorority is what changed that idea that Hollywood and media had put into my head. You really don't understand what being a Greek is until you are a member of the Greek community. It is so much more than what you see on television or hear (see) on social media.
When I made the decision to join a sorority, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The one thing I remember being asked to me during recruitment week was, "What is it that you are looking to get with being in a sorority?" I knew what I looking for. Sisters. Friends. But once I ran through that door of my house on bid day, I had no idea that I receiving more than I could have ever dreamed or hoped for. Of course I did receive sisters and friends, but I also received family. I got people that, even though they have only known me for a year, would do anything for me. I received a sense of belonging, a sense that I was a part of something bigger than myself. I received my letters. Three letters that hold the most precious meaning to me and represent not only myself but my sisters across this nation. Being a freshman starting college, I was just excited to finally be done with high school and be on my own. I found so many things in my sorority and in Greek life that honestly I didn't even know I wanted or needed in my life.
Sisterhood is so, so many wonderful things all wrapped into one word. This is just going to barely scratch the surface. Sisterhood is getting a smile and a wave across the street when you are walking to class that instantly puts you in a good mood. Sisterhood is walking into a class and seeing your letters and knowing that this is automatically going to be a great class because you have someone to share it with. Sisterhood is picking someone up when their car breaks down or picking them up from campus because the bus line is too long and they have somewhere to be. Sisterhood is having to go to meetings every week but never being upset about them because you know you get to see your sisters. Sisterhood is having an automatic group to be a part of for tailgating and cheering on our Ragin' Cajuns. Sisterhood is having sisters come over and talk with you for hours even if they are busy because they know you were having a bad day. Sisterhood is having automatic study partners and study sessions because we both have GPA requirements and because we genuinely want each other to do better in school. Sisterhood is endless laughter and inside jokes. Sisterhood is having to take pictures over and over because you just can't stop laughing enough to smile for the camera. Most importantly, sisterhood is having people who accept you for who you are and having people who love you unconditionally.
And I couldn’t be more thankful for the girls that I am so incredibly blessed to call my sisters.
