As the semester comes to an end, I was thinking about why this semester was so drastically different, in a better way, than last semester. I didn't have to think too hard because I immediately knew what was different.

Last semester, all I did was schoolwork and go home to work, not much else. Everything was boring, and I definitely was not enjoying being at school. Once the spring semester came, I knew that I had to do something to change how life was going so that I was not unhappy. I had heard about recruitment and it was always in the back of my mind but I was never definite on whether or not I wanted to join Greek life. Once I started to actually look into it and knew that my friends were, I figured it would be worth a shot. I wanted a way to get involved on campus but did not want to join a club because I was not sure of what I was interested in.

The moment before recruitment that I officially decided I was going to do it ended up changing my entire semester and probably life. Now, the semester is over and I am in a great place. Joining ZTA has changed everything for the better.

There are so many stereotypes surrounding Greek Life, and as cliche as it sounds, you genuinely don't know what it's like until you are in it. It is so different actually in it than it seems from the outside looking in. Friendships are formed so quickly, and believe it or not, before you even pay your dues! I definitely do not pay for my friends but even if I did, I'd be paying for some of the best people I have ever met so I wouldn't even mind.

I have met so many people and have already been given numerous opportunities that I would not have if it weren't for Greek Life. It is the perfect way to get involved without having to be tied to one particular subject area and go to meetings. It ends up taking over your life in the best way possible. Particularly for me, ZTA's philanthropy of Breast Cancer Education and Awareness holds a special place in my heart, and breast cancer has personally impacted my life. It is satisfying to know that the work I am doing is going to hopefully help somebody in need.

I am definitely not a "typical sorority girl," but I definitely do not regret my decision to join. Being surrounded by great people all the time is just one of the many, many benefits. If it were not for ZTA at Rider, I probably would have transferred, so thank you.