This week, I begin participating in a long-waited and much talked-about event: sorority recruitment. This time last year I participated in the same event, but from a different point of view. Last year, I was a freshman looking to find my home away from home. This time around, I’m looking to help girls find there’s in Theta Phi Alpha just like I did. It’s the same event, yet a totally new experience. When I went through this time last year, I couldn’t picture myself sitting where the sisters sat; yet here I am. It’s an amazing feeling being able to recruit alongside my sisters. So in honor of that, I wanted to write about why I fell in love with Theta Phi Alpha.

The Sisterhood

When I decided to go through recruitment last year, I was looking for a sisterhood. I was looking for friends in a place where I knew very few people. Honestly, I didn’t find that; I found a family. This time last year, I didn’t know my big. I didn’t know I would find someone like her. Now, I’m going to be one of her bridesmaids. I recently went through one of the toughest weeks I’ve had, and I have a sister to thank for helping me get through it. I wouldn’t trade the sisterhood for anything.

The Academics

My freshman year wasn’t my brightest year as far as school goes. I was easily distracted and not at all motivated. This year, I feel a certain motivation. I want to succeed, not just for me, but for my chapter. I want to do my best in everything I do. I want to be proud of myself, but I want my sisters to be proud of me, too.

The Diversity

Something really incredible about Theta Phi is that 100 women of different backgrounds, interests, and walks of life all come together to share a common bond. I have sisters that I have a million things in common with, but also sisters who can teach me new things and bring me outside my comfort zone. There are so many new experiences to have and new things to try. Plus, I just love listening to sisters talk about things they love and are passionate about.

The Philanthropy

One of the first things that caught my attention about Theta Phi was our philanthropies. I love that I can connect to breast cancer awareness, which has been a family philanthropy for as long as I can remember, to my college life and my social circle. I love that we have events to support important causes, yet we still have a fun time doing them. Giving service has always been a part of my life, and being able to continue that in my own way is rewarding.

If it’s possible, I love Theta Phi Alpha more today than I did when I accepted my bid. I wouldn’t trade this past year for the world, and I’m excited for the next 3 years as an active. I can’t wait to see the difference we make in that time. And I can’t wait to share this sisterhood with the next class of Theta Phi’s.