During the second semester of my first year at BGSU, I joined a sorority, and it has been one of the best decisions I could have made. Yes, I grew up with sisters and had friends that I considered my nonbiological sisters. I grew up with a girl’s impact and support. But, joining Chi Omega has changed my life for the better, and honestly, prevented me from dropping out of school.Â
I was always intrigued by Greek Life. I would watch Bama Rush videos and sorority events GRWMs constantly. But I never thought I would be one to join. You know what they say, “Why are girls paying to have friends?” Or, “Sorority girls are too fake for my liking.” And you know what, I said the same thing. (Even though I had no prior encounters with a sorority girl.)Â
Coming to college was a huge step for me. I grew up in a small town, where everyone knew each other. I could tell you the names of everyone in my grade, which I feel like is crazy for some people to hear. But besides that, I always had someone to talk to in each of my classes. In the hallways, there was always someone to wave and smile at. Even outside of school, I could spark a conversation. BGSU was something different.
I was so homesick my first ever semester at BGSU. I felt like I had no one. And even though that wasn’t close to being true, it was hard not seeing the same faces everyday in the halls or during my lunch period. I grew sick of school fast, and I was even thinking about transferring. That is, until I discovered my obsession with BGSU Greek life.
Some of the people I knew had joined sororities, but I never put much thought into it. Eventually, I gave in, and I did a deep dive into some sororities on campus. I saw the events they were doing, both fun and for good purposes. I saw the connections that were built over time reflected on social media. I fell in love. But, I had no clue how to get started. I reached out to a current alumni of Chi Omega, and it goes from there.
I have been able to build connections with girls I never would’ve met on such a big campus. I raise funds for Make-A-Wish in positive and impactful ways. For instance, selling Buffalo Chicken Dip in downtown BG, or getting pied in the face in the union oval. I participate in fun leisure events with my sisters. (Tonight is actually my semi-formal, SO EXCITED.) I couldn’t ask for anything more. I lost some people in my life during my second semester at BG, but my sisters helped me through it all. I needed help mentally and even scholarly, and I knew my sisters would be there to help.Â
Going from feeling lonely, and like I didn’t have a purpose here in BG, to suddenly having a community and second family of girls to support and motivate me, is something that I will remember the rest of my life. You may be reading this and think “Wow, she did pay for connections.” Maybe I did, but it was the best decision I have made thus far in college, and Ill be honest, I don’t regret a single thing.Â