Philanthropy. Leadership. Scholarship. Sisterhood.

Leaving a high school where I was actively involved and had a tight knit group of friends, I was looking for a place where I could thrive in more areas than one. I was looking for a place that would become a home away from home. I was looking for a place that wasn’t exclusive and a place where I could be myself.

When I first showed an interest in joining the greek community at whatever college I decided to attend, my interests weren’t very welcomed. I always got the questions, "Don’t they party all of the time?" "Aren’t you kind of like, paying for your friends?" "Don’t you have to dedicate a lot of time to be greek?" Or I was told, "Your grades aren’t going to be very good if you join one." "You’re totally not the kind of person I thought would go greek." I had seen the stereotypes through the media, through the movies and even from my extended family.

So walking through the doors each day to meet my possible sisters and see my future home was slightly daunting. But at the same time and for the same reasons, it became such a thrilling and positive time. Opening my bid card on bid day to find my new home was the greatest thing I could’ve asked to experience.

Everyone was so welcoming and even in the first few hours, I knew this chapter and being with all of these amazing women was where I belonged.

The thing that I love about Iowa State University’s process to joining a sorority through formal recruitment is that after you’ve opened your bid card and played a few ice-breaker and get-to-know-you games with your new sisters, running under the campanile. I loved that as a cohesive group, everyone runs to their new respective chapters to be welcomed by the active members. With Alpha Gamma Delta, the new members are welcomed by their Sister Mothers, or “Sis Moms” as we like to call it. This specific woman is there to help be your bridge into being involved in the chapter. But she’s also there for non-greek related things, like help in classes, advice and to be there whenever you may need her.

I love my Sis Mom, even if she did drop me on Bid Day after we unsuccessfully tried to take a cute photo.

Through philanthropic events for all chapters in the Iowa State greek community, the inclusivity that our community presents, leadership opportunities, acts of service, Bid Day festivities, Homecoming and Yell Like Hell, Greek Week and Lip Sync, sisterhoods, retreats, late night runs for food, the inclusiveness of the Iowa State greek community, countless adventures and unforgettable memories, I’m so glad to say that I’m Greek. After three and a half semesters as an Alpha Gam, I couldn’t be happier with my decision to go through formal recruitment the week before I began my freshman year in college.

From my littles and my big, to my close group of friends in the chapter, all of my sisters and the amazing people that I’ve met from other chapters, I couldn’t ask for a better greek community to be a part of. From raising money for Special Olympics or supporting each other through attending philanthropic events, I’ve been presented an opportunity to represent this community beyond what people see in the movies.

Greek life isn’t for everyone and that’s completely okay. But don’t knock it ‘till you try it because you might find something that you may have never seen yourself doing before. Joining a greek chapter provides opportunities to succeed academically, hold leadership positions, give you the confidence to go out and explore, support the community you’re in through philanthropic events and find brothers or sisters who will stand by you and support you through thick and thin. And there’s nothing more I could’ve asked for in a chapter and in a greek community.

inspire the women, impact the world