Going to school eight hours away meant independence, courage and freedom. Growing up with four older brothers, I was always surrounded by others. With Arkansas being so far away from home, I knew I couldn't always travel on the weekends and seeing family meant waiting until holiday breaks. Although this was bittersweet, it never stopped me from coming to this amazing place and finding my home away from home.

Going into recruitment, I didn't know much about the sororities here, and I knew only a couple girls in a few houses. In some sororities, I didn't know one person. Recruitment, for me, was an absolute blast. I loved every minute of it! Meeting so many different personalities and learning about every awesome philanthropy involved in our Greek life system was exciting and something I will forever cherish. I found my home away from home during this whole process. When it came to preference night I already knew I was choosing Zeta Tau Alpha because of the way they made me feel during the whole week of parties. I never wanted to leave that house. This is when I knew I had found something so special.

Freshman year I joined Zeta, more proud and elated than ever. I went through my pledgeship, getting involved in as many opportunities as I could. I remember feeling so overwhelmed, but I knew Zeta had great intentions and would never fail me. They loved me, and I loved them. Looking back on my freshman year, it seems like just yesterday I was going on Coke dates, dressing up for every function, volunteering for every philanthropy event, and spending enormous amounts of time with my big sister, Kaylie. 

Sophomore year, I had the opportunity to get more involved in Zeta through chairman positions. I became creative chairman, along with two other freshman Zetas. This year was filled with philanthropy and function banners, yard letters and tons of paint and glitter. I cannot tell you how many pairs of leggings, t-shirts, Nike shorts and shoes I have ruined from this position. I wouldn't change it for the world, though, because I made friendships with my co-workers, Addie and Megan; we made many memories while painting at 2 a.m. 

Sophomore year also meant becoming a big sister to my two wonderful littles, Olivia and Courtney. We spent this whole year getting to know each other, spending many hours shopping for function gear and big/little dates at our favorite restaurants. I spoiled them rotten because Kaylie did the same for me. These three friendships with these girls will be a few of the ones that will last forever. These are the ones that I will miss so much. My Zeta family is one of the best. This is what Zeta meant to me.

Junior year was definitely one of the best years in college. I spent this year living in the big white house on the top of the hill. I had the most perfect roommate, Annie, who just happens to be my best friend. We lived in a shoe box, but it was the best looking shoebox around! So many memories were made down Senior Hall with Casey, Jill, Larkyn, Karli, Kim and Rachel. The big bathroom just around the corner was always the social spot. There was zero privacy, but no one seemed to care. Junior year was also a time when I became closer with our house mother, Mom Lynda. I learned I can trust her with anything and if I ever need a little bit of southern lovin', Mom is always the one to talk to. 

Junior year was a time when I found two new friendships that I never knew would become so strong. Suzanne and Lauren became two new best friends who will forever be in my life. The countless memories made at the round table, in the kitchenette and in the basement I will never forget. These are the moments I will cherish forever. This is what Zeta meant to me.

Senior year, so far, has meant growing up. With all the fuss about applying for jobs, working on resumes and getting our last credits finished before our name is cemented into the Senior Walk, Zeta has still been here for me. I hold the position of t-shirt chairman with the very best co-worker, Maddie. I had been waiting for this position my whole Zeta career, and finally have the chance to do it with the best gal around! Although our t-shirt chairman time is coming to an end, our friendship won't die. She fills my heart with so much joy and we will forever share this position together! 

As my time as a senior continues, I will continue to experience my "last times" for events throughout the year. This is sad, but it also makes me so happy to know I have spent my last three and a half years with some of the best girls I have ever met. These relationships are not like high school, these relationships will last a lifetime. The bonds I have made, here at Arkansas through Zeta, I hold very dear to my heart. In May, when it is time to say goodbye, I know my house will be waiting for me when I come back to reminisce on the best four years of my life.

This is what Zeta Tau Alpha means to me.