If there is one thing you should know about me, it is that you will rarely find me without a flower in my hair and a smile on my face. It is not because I am trying to be trendy, bring back spring or look like I am going to a music festival. I wear flowers because they make me happy and they are part of my personality. 

Think about it. When do you feel your best? When you are wearing what makes you comfortable. I probably have 15 different flower crowns and other miscellaneous hairpieces. During my chapter's informal bid day, I had a new member ask me if I was the girl who always wore flowers in her hair. I could not think of a more perfect identifier.

Flowers make me feel good. They are a way for me to express my personality. They bring laughter and sunshine, even when it is gloomy and rainy in Indiana. It frustrates me that people think girls, specifically sorority girls, wear them because everyone else is or because Coachella made it trendy. When people say things like that, it creates a stereotype for sorority girls. In my experience, especially within my chapter, the classic stereotype you see in movies could not be further from the truth.

The Greek system is full of intelligent, unique, dedicated, charming and funny individuals. Some aspire to be doctors, teachers, police officers and entrepreneurs. These girls are involved in philanthropic foundations all over the spectrum, they are well traveled, have individual stories to tell, and yes, sometimes they wear a flower crown, tutu or some other costume.

What do you notice about every picture you have ever seen of a sorority girl in a costume? She is smiling, making a silly face, hugging a sister or laughing. Our clothing choices are a representation of our personalities. I have yet to find a time when I have not been happy wearing my flowers. I relish when get to don costumes I wouldn’t normally wear in public because it’s fun. 

There is a misconception that flower crowns have been deemed a costume item that is only worn for certain occasions. Some people are most comfortable wearing jeans, sweatpants, a ball gown or whatever else. And that's great! Everyone should have the opportunity to express who they are in whichever way they choose. I choose flowers because they are bright. They stand on their own, tell a story and make you smile. Flowers have nothing to do with being trendy or listening to music. I wear a flower crown because I am not complete without one, and it makes me who I am.