Rarely do we, as individuals, have the ability to pinpoint the exact moment our lives changed for the better. Usually, it’s a result of many decisions, actions, consequences and to pinpoint the exact moment can be tedious. However, for me, I can give it to you exactly. It was the day I decided to participate in recruitment for a sorority, Fall 2016. I had just started my second year of university and would be starting a journey that would change the rest of my life!
Photo from @sierra.scholts on Instagram (Looking back on my time in AOII or on vacation… you decide)
The decision to attend recruitment was an easy one for me. My first year had been tougher than I expected. Leaving me feeling lonely, depleted and longing for something much more. Making friends as an adult is hard y’all and I didn’t just want casual study buddies. I wanted the deep connection that comes with the sincere desire to know one another and to support one another. I wanted a family of sorts and my eyes were drawn to sororities. I mean they’re called sisters for a reason, right? Fall 2016 I was determined to have a better year and to achieve my goal of finding the friends I’d have for life. I hoped it would come in the form of lifelong sisterhood.
Photo from @sierra.scholts on Instagram (Fall 2016 me who was super excited to take cute pics with her Big!)
It turns out I was right. In Fall 2016, I joined the Lambda Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi. The memories, the opportunities, and the personal development alone has changed my life completely, more than I could have anticipated. Today, I am stronger, healthier, happier and I owe this development to my sisters’ unwavering support.
Photo from @sierra.scholts on Instagram (For more adorable AOII photos, follow me)
The sisters I found are more than incredible. They will engrave your grandmother’s birthdate on a necklace for you after you grieve her passing, they will bring you snacks when your boyfriend breaks up with you, they will celebrate with you when you get that co-op and they will help you grow into the leader you always dreamed of being.
Photo from @sierra.scholts on Instagram (I wasn’t lying, I have a lot of adorable photos now thanks to AOII #perks)
Today, as I look back on my years at uWaterloo and AOII, I am so grateful. I am confident my past years here would not have been half as amazing if it weren’t for those women. Today, I serve with gratitude as Chapter President. If I knew then, the fall of 2016, what I know now I would tell myself this, “Don’t hesitate, this is it the thing you’ve been hoping for and you won’t ever look back.”