As girls ran home to their sorority today I could not help but think of how they can now call themselves a (insert sorority name). As much as this is a good thing, it can also be a bad thing.

An important thing for every girl to remember is that our identity is not found in our letters. This is something I absolutely love about Chi Omega. During Pref Night I got to stand and listen to my sisters say who they were whether it was a professional third wheel, D1 Baller, or lover of Taco Bell. There are so many other things that make up who you are other than the letters that you get to wear.

With sororities come reputations. It always amazes me at the amount of people who rely on reputations. At the same time, I can say that I am guilty of having conversations that involve the greek reputations on campus. Everyone has something to say about every house and that's okay because it's solely based on opinions not facts. I do not take offense when people say Chi O is granola and laid-back. I love the fact that we embrace imperfection and I don't have to be a stereotypical sorority girl to fit in, because that's just not me. But if that's you, that's completely fine and there's a place for you because there's a place for everyone.

Last year when I went through Rush I had no idea what I was looking for in a sorority. I knew I wanted to get involved in a Philanthropy and I knew I wanted to find my place on campus. With Chi Omega both of those have come true but I have also found my place elsewhere. When I introduce myself I can say that I am a Chi Omega along with many other things. I am a writer. I am a member of Student Activities Committee. I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Most importantly I can say, I am a child of God.

Recently I have felt more like an adult than ever before. I am no longer in my freshman year of college. I have an internship in downtown Birmingham that I can't just wear t-shirts and gym shorts to. I eat at places and try new foods like an adult. I travel like an adult. As much as I feel like an adult with independence, I am still a child and I am still learning when it comes to my walk of faith.

Last year God taught me that I would never be happy at Samford until I found my community. He also taught me that life is always changing and with that I need to be prepared. As I have found my friends at school and within Chi Omega I have been able to show my true colors as well as hold myself to a higher standard.

I will walk with confidence and wear my letters proudly any day of the week as I rep Chi O. But I will also take pride in knowing that my identity is not in the X and the Horseshoe I wear across my chest but instead it is in Christ.

Being a new member is such an exciting and overwhelming time. Something that I would do 10x over, but I'm glad that I could be a part of recruitment, including all the emotional ups and downs, and Bid Day as one of the "older girls". I have complete faith in my girls as they decide how they want to get involved in their sorority. Lucky for me, I found a home that makes me proud each and every day. I am always willing to represent Chi Omega by wearing my letters but I will never forget that it's not the only thing I represent or that represents me.