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The majority of people will tell you that your college years are some of the best years of your life. Television shows and magazines depict college as a priceless experience full of adventure and spontaneity, and memories that last a lifetime. Like most other incoming freshmen, I was so eager to begin a new chapter of life and discover a newfound sense of independence. As an out-of-state student, I was beyond excited to meet new people and immerse myself in new activities. However, my freshman year did not exactly live up to all of these expectations….
Don’t get me wrong; I had a great first year. I had the most amazing roommate, who became one of my closest friends. I met many new friends and became active in countless clubs and organizations. But I often found myself thinking I was not having the college experience I had anticipated. I went outside of my comfort zone the entire year and attended events and club meetings, hoping to find a place that was really fulfilling. While I met a lot of new people and stayed busy, I finished the year still feeling like something was missing.
As sophomore year rolled around, I was excited to get back in the swing of things. The first couple weeks of school were hectic and I stayed very busy. After things settled down, I fell into the same slump I experienced the previous year. I kept to myself and did most things alone, like studying, eating, and exercising. While I’m a very optimistic, happy person, I lost a lot of passion for school and socializing at that time, thinking I would never have the college experience I was looking for.
I reached my breaking point in September. I visited my sister in Greenville during Labor Day weekend, excited to get away for a weekend. I vividly remember whispering to her, “Want to hear a secret? I’m thinking about transferring.” She was shocked, as I had always given off the impression that I loved college and was having the time of my life. I revealed to her that while I did enjoy college, it is not what I anticipated. With each word that came out of my mouth, I felt myself growing more and more emotional until tears flowed freely from my eyes.
A year’s worth of frustration had been building up to that point. It was then that I realized how truly unhappy I was. So at first, my sister was excited about the possibility of me transferring to her alma mater, East Carolina University. Then, at second thought, she was not sure if ECU was a good fit for me either. So we brainstormed, and she asked the question that had great potential to change my life, “Have you thought about joining a sorority?”
After much deliberation, we came to the conclusion that I should look into joining a sorority. I was a bit skeptical of the whole process and worried about the time and financial commitment, but figured I didn’t have anything to lose by at least signing up for recruitment. I could go on and on about the entire recruitment process and its emotional highs and lows, but I’ll simply say that at the end of it all, I received a bid from an amazing sorority. Alpha Omicron Pi welcomed me with open arms into its sisterhood.
Within the first week, I felt a sense of belonging in this sorority that I had not felt my entire freshman year. There is immense gratification in being part of something bigger than myself. Gaining over 100 new friends that all share the same, special bond is one of the most remarkable things I’ve ever experienced. This sorority has provided the niche I had been looking for; the college experience I wanted; and the friends I had been missing.
Each day is more and more rewarding. I am constantly amazed by the grace and selflessness of these sisters and their continuous, unconditional love and support. I have absolutely found a place where I can be myself and fit in perfectly. I have met some of the most intelligent, remarkable women I’ve ever known, and am honored to call them my sisters. In just two months time, I have made countless memories and engaged in so many activities and events that have regained my passion for college.
I was just recently initiated and became an official sister. I can only imagine what lies ahead of me, as the past two months have been indescribable. Going Greek was a big decision, but it was absolutely the best one for me. I can’t imagine where I’d be now without these girls. This sorority inspires me to be a better person with each passing day and has helped shaped me into the young lady that I’m proud to be. Alpha Omicron Pi didn’t just fill a void, it has enriched my life to a level I didn’t think possible, and for that I am eternally grateful.