When I arrived at Louisiana Tech, I was completely against rushing. I had heard Greek life stereotypes my entire life, and I steadfastly believed them. Those girls, I told myself, weren't me. I wasn't a super popular, model-like, rich girl, so I told myself that I wouldn't fit in. I was just a timid teenager who was terrified to leave the only home she had ever known for nearly her entire life. I wanted to stay in my comfort zone and continue studying nonstop and reading books rather than having a normal conversation with other people.

So, I convinced myself that all the stereotypes were true. I wasn't even going to give Greek life a chance. Thankfully, I met people who, one by one, changed my perception. The people I talked to were not what I expected. They were church leaders, band members, book nerds like me, people from towns smaller than my own, and much more. I began to realize that what I had heard my entire life was not true, so I decided to rush. I was, literally, the last person to sign up.

I never thought I would make it past the first round. I did. When I walked into Phi Mu, the conversations that I had with the other girls were so genuine. I didn't feel like I was being interviewed, and I never felt uncomfortable, awkward, or judged. We talked about life, about my summer, typical normal things that somehow made me feel so at home. These girls wanted to get to know me.

During those four days, some of the most terrifying, yet exhilarating ones of my life, I found my home. I pledged Phi Mu because I could see the sisterhood binding together all of these girls. I saw places for me in their chapter that I could fill. I didn't see a roomful of stereotypes--I saw my home and sisters that I knew would encourage me and would genuinely care about me. I felt the love for Phi Mu's philanthropy, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, when the girls talked about it. I wanted that passion for service in my life. I wanted to be a part of a sisterhood that I knew would push me to step outside of my comfort zone and encourage me to become a better person.

So I pledged Phi Mu.

This last minute decision has become the best one of my entire life. I have changed, completely and utterly, because of my decision to become a Phi Mu. I'm a stronger leader who tries to embody Phi Mu's values, and now my own, of love, honor, and truth each day. I've become more involved in college than I ever thought possible, joining The Odyssey, multiple honor organizations, and SGA, because of my sisters pushing me to try new things. I'm a stronger Christian than I ever was before and an all-around kinder person.

The person who was me a year ago would look at me and wonder what happened, but I'm so, so glad that I'm not that same girl. Because of my decision to not let Greek life stereotypes hold me back and to ultimately pledge Phi Mu, I have made unbelievable memories and everlasting friends. So thank you, Phi Mu, for helping me become a better person, for giving me the opportunities to grow and discover who I am, and leading me to the sisters who would completely change my life.

I don't know who I would be without my decision to pledge Phi Mu, but I'm forever thankful that I will never have to find out.