Since starting college at Adelphi, joining Greek life was always a part of the plan. I’ve always been captivated by the idea of being a part of something larger than myself. The community service aspect was a huge part in my decision making process, but I never could have imagined how joining a sorority would have changed my college experience.
My second semester of my first year was off to a great start. I was going through recruitment with my best friends at the time, which was exciting, I had just celebrated one year with my first boyfriend, and I was doing the best I had, academically. Things were going my way for once— or so I thought.
During recruitment, my boyfriend at the time and I had broken up, the day after his birthday, might I add. I was a wreck. A few days after this, I received a bid to my sorority. Bid day was incredible. I got to meet so many of my sisters as well as bond with the girls in my pledge class. I had found my home. Things felt okay again for a while, and then I went back to my residence hall and felt this empty feeling inside of me, like something was eating away at me. I was miserable yet again.
I think what happened after that was probably just me being dramatic and posting a black screen on my snapchat story, subbing my ex—yes, I was that person— and within minutes, I had messages from so many of my new sisters saying that they loved me and that I could come to them with anything. The semester that started off on the right foot had immediately turned bad, but my sisters made it infinitely better once again. I even finished that semester with my highest GPA yet. This was the beginning of one of the greatest decisions I had made during my college experience, no matter the ups and downs.
Starting my second semester in the chapter, I got a position as Chapter Correspondent. Although a small position, it showed me what it was like to have a leadership position, but I also was able to get more organized and work on my time management because of it. It helped me to step up and also helped me to be more vocal. It may seem small, but it pushed me past my comfort zone and expanded my limits.
It’s almost been two years since I joined my organization. Through it, I have met some of the most strong and incredible women ever. I have made friendships that are everlasting. My big; my twin; and my little especially, have made a huge impact on my life. My little joined the chapter at a hard time in my life and as my sisters have done in the past, came in like a little ray of sunshine. My sisters have become some of my best friends in the entire world, and I know this is so cliché to say, but these girls will not only be a part of my life while I’m at Adelphi, they will be my sisters for life. The support I have found in them and the way they have shaped me as a person is something I will always be grateful for.
Joining a sorority isn’t something a lot of people consider because there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding what Greek life really is. Here’s the truth: Greek life is a support system, a community, a place of growth, a place where philanthropy matters, a place that will break you out of your comfort zones and where you can do more than you ever thought you were capable of, and a place you can call home.