When I was in 11th grade, I decided I would attend the University of Mississippi. I also decided that I wanted to join a sorority. After I graduated high school, I spent my time filling out the Panhellenic application for my school, getting reference letters, researching the sororities on campus, and so on. Eventually, I decided that I would just focus on my academics, and maybe I would rush next year. I am so glad I decided not to rush.
My first semester was really difficult. I had a really hard time adjusting, and I discovered that I suffer from social anxiety. Of course, during rush week, I was pretty jealous of everyone, and on bid day, I kept wishing I had rushed and received a bid. It was just not feasible my first semester.
One weekend, I was riding back to Jackson with one of my friends. I had seen her post about her sorority Sigma Phi Lambda, but I didn't know anything about it. She told me about it, and explained that they have recruitment in both the fall and spring semesters. After learning that Phi Lamb is a non-Panhellenic Christian sorority, I knew I wanted to join. It was exactly what I needed.
After winter break, I got an invitation on Facebook for Phi Lamb recruitment. I went to almost every event that week, and I fell in love. Phi Lamb has such a strong sisterhood, and I love our purpose, which is "Glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ and making His name great." My favorite part about Phi Lamb is seeing how much my sisters love the Lord. Whether it be at worship on Sundays or their Facebook posts during the week, it is 100 percent clear that these girls have a heart for the Lord and are actively pursuing His will.
Whether my sisters realize it or not, I definitely look up to them. I strive to be more like them, and I strive to have a relationship with Christ because of them. My faith has been strengthened and my relationship with Christ has grown more in the past few months than ever before.
Not only have I gained a stronger relationship with the Lord, but I have also gained some of the best friends I have ever had. In these last few months, I know for certain that I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. My sisters are the ones I will call and celebrate with when I get into law school. They are the ones I will ask to be bridesmaids in my wedding. My children are going to have amazing role models, because my sisters are the ones I will ask to be godmothers and honorary aunts.
I have been so blessed by these girls, in so many ways, and I cannot imagine my life without them in it. Sigma Phi Lambda is more than a sorority. It is lifelong friends, friends that encourage you in your walk with Christ, friends that you can worship with, pray with and just do life with. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful organization.
Sigma Phi Lambda is absolutely the best thing to ever happen to me.
