When I first heard about Greek life, I had no idea what it was. Then, I heard sorority and fraternity and I thought, no thank you. I had seen the movies, and no way was I one of those girls. But, I decided to attend an informational meeting and see what these Greek organizations were about. Turns out, I liked everything they had to say. These women volunteered and made a difference in their community. I was amazed by how lovingly and proudly they spoke of their sisters. I decided to rush. I rushed because I agreed with their values and their ideals, but I wanted to find was friends. What I found was a family.          

The whole process was quite stressful. I had small talk with over 30 women in one day. Then, I walked into this one house and everyone was nice and made me laugh. I wasn’t stressed or worried about what I would say. Every woman asked me about my passion, what I loved to do, how I wanted to make an impact on the world, and then they gave me a hug.

At this point in my first year, I had made friends, but no one was really good enough friends that we hugged. I am very affectionate. In high school, I hugged everyone. In college, I hadn't had any hugs. There were even more hugs on bid day. I remember walking in the house and someone hugged me and welcomed me home. I had no idea who she was; I didn’t even know her name, but she was ready to love me. It was as if she already did.             

From then, on when I walked through campus my new sisters would wave and greet me as they passed. When I moved into the house, my sorority friends became my sisters. Nothing bonds women like going through work week together. I learned about my sister’s hardships and they learned about mine. We went to carnivals and had movie nights. After a few weeks, I felt at home. These women became my family. They helped me through boy troubles, and we talked about the world and our values. I had found my people.          

I grew to learn the best thing about my sisters -- they are different from me. We share the same values, but we value them differently. We share similar interests, but we are all different majors and we all have different strengths. I learned a new perspective from every woman I talked to. I have had the opportunity to attend a variety of events; some I would have never gone to, like a poetry slam. I loved it. The beauty of all these differences, is that we learn from each other.        

I am inspired by my sisters. They are all so passionate about their majors and volunteering. Every day, they inspire me to be a better person and challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone or think inside the box. They accept me and everything I am. In every moment with them, I am a better me. I went Greek for the women I have met, and they are all extraordinary.