Going off to college means so many new experiences -- and one of those is the introduction to Greek life. I came to college with no friends. I was terrified. I only had four best friends at home and we were all parting ways to different colleges. They've been by my side for four years and I didn't think I could make new friends who would make me as happy as they do.
I have an older sister who I have always looked up to in college who is extremely involved in Greek life. I need to say that we both have opposite interests and styles and I didn't think I'd like Greek Life as much as her. She said, "You will find your home." That sounded cheesy and hard to believe at the time. But throughout the rush process, I slowly found myself narrowing down sororities that I felt most comfortable in.
After visiting Kappa Delta three times during the rush process, I felt like I could be happy my whole college career if I joined. Never in my life have I met greater people, who are strangers at first, to be so loving and welcoming. It's crazy to see that so many girls want you in their sisterhood, whereas in high school, finding that perfect friend group was nearly impossible. Kappa Delta is my friend group and they will be for the rest of my life.
I was afraid of Greek Life at first because a common deterrent for joining are the sometimes-negative stereotypes associated with Greek life. I didn't see myself being the type of girl to be in a sorority. All my friends at home were really surprised. I decided it was time for me to step out of my comfort zone. Nine million college students are members of a Greek organization and whether they join to make friends, to build their resumes, to go to parties or to learn leadership skills, they each have an incentive to change some aspect of their life.
Rush Weekend I was feeling a little home sick. My older sister was checking in on me to see if I had signed up to rush yet. I signed up right when she asked so I wouldn't disappoint her, but she didn't I was thinking about going home that weekend. She told me I could do whatever I wanted, but she really encouraged me to stay and rush. To make my older sister proud, I stayed through the whole long rush process and found my home. I'm so glad I didn't go home that weekend because I wouldn't trade Greek Life for anything. I feel so involved on campus and I've met some amazing people in other sororities and fraternities.
I'm extremely thankful for the sisters I have and my other friends in Greek Life because I couldn't be happy without them. They are my "home away from home."
