To the Sorority that I had to Leave Behind,
I will be forever grateful to the Chapter that I loved and to East Carolina Greek life. There are so many reasons why I have grown as a person since being initiated as a sister, but also so many reasons why I have chosen to spend my last two years of school at ECU without my greek letters.
The memories and opportunities that my sorority has given me while I was blessed to be a sister will never be forgotten. My life has changed significantly since I accepted my letters and opened my bid card. Girls I probably never would have met, suddenly became my sisters and we all had this unspoken friendship. Freshman year was full of all new experiences that this chapter gave me.
It’s because of these new experiences that I find myself to be more social, more accepting, less judgmental, and ready for anything that life might throw at me. I also have a better understanding of the professional world and how to approach uncomfortable situations and make the best of them. My skills in getting to know people at a more personal level have been helpful in so many situations. As dreaded as perfection week and Recruitment were, I’m glad that I went through it both as a Potential New Member and as an initiate.
But mostly I’m thankful for the stories and the girls that I was blessed enough to call my sisters. Through Bid Day, our New Member Orientation, Homecoming Week, Perfection week, and living in the sorority house, I realized that I have the potential to be better than my own expectations, and that I can always reach the goals that I set for myself. And that is why I have decided to leave my letters behind for the remaining time I have at ECU and commit my time to the dreams that I hope to achieve in the near future.
This happens to be an experience that a lot of girls go through, whether it be financial, family, personal, health, or stress reasons. People are surprised to find out that not every girl drops their sorority simply because they don’t like it, or because they don’t get along with someone, or just because greek life isn’t for them. Life is not a perfect step-by-step playbook. There is no “How To” guideline for college, and sometimes we have to let go of things we love in order to give ourselves a better chance in the future.
Choosing to drop my sorority was an extremely tough decision, and not one I easily made. But in the end it’s what is best for me. I will always encourage any college student to go greek, because it is something I will never regret. Thank you to my chapter for having such a strong influence on the woman I have become, and for teaching me lessons that will further provide guidance in my life.
I will continue to consider all members of my sorority to be my sisters and you will always linger in my thoughts.
Thank you for helping me realize my potential. Forever your sister.