I should probably start off by mentioning that this list could go on for days. Trying to narrow down the reasons as to why I am grateful for this chapter of my life was no easy task, but for the sake of time (and because I'm sure nobody wants to read an article that is equal to the length of a short novel) I am sharing the 10 most influential moments that joining a sorority has brought me.

Going into recruitment week, I was curious as to what I would gain from this experience. Would it bring me new friendships, a stronger faith, or help build my morals? I wasn't quite sure.

As soon as the week started, the words "sisterhood" and "lifelong bond" were thrown around every 15 seconds. I kept questioning the authenticity of the process... but as soon as I stepped into the Gamma Phi Beta room, I knew I had found my home.

From the moment I walked inside and saw all of the genuine happiness radiating out of every single woman who was in that room-- I knew that this was so much bigger than just a "group of girls that you pay to hangout with". I was literally glowing after leaving that room each day, knowing that I had just had the best conversations and made some of the deepest connections in a matter of just 30 minutes.

I know it sounds cheesy, but ever since then my love for my sorority has only grown stronger. I have found a home that I know that I will cherish forever, and it makes me so proud to be able to call myself a sister of Gamma Phi Beta.

You have a group of strong women behind you/supporting you. Always.

I never knew that it was possible to have this many rad girls in my life. Seriously, like when are you ever going to have the chance to be surrounded by 100+ women who will have your back and provide an unwavering constant friendship again? I am so lucky to be able to call Gamma Phi Beta my forever home.

Confidence in your abilities.

If I have learned just one thing from my sorority (even though we all know I have gained so much more than just one), it would have to be confidence. It has taught me what true and genuine friendship looks like, and given me a sense of home when I am so far away from my real one. I no longer rely solely on guys or anyone else for my self-approval, because now I know how important it is to have the ability to make yourself happy. I really have so much more love and respect for myself, and feel confident in who I am as a person. Gamma Phi Beta, and all of my lovely sisters, you have single-handedly shaped me into a strong and elegant woman.

Connecting with all different kinds of people.

I would just like to say thank you endlessly for bringing me closer to such a wide array of people. I have met girls from all corners of the country (actually, the globe) and to have the opportunity to always stay connected through our sorority is just amazing. It truly does feel like I am a part of one huge, crazy, irreplaceable family.

Greek unity.

The one thing that I was probably most skeptical about when joining a sorority was that I wouldn't be able to have any other friends. Welp, I was wrong. I am grateful that Creighton really embodies greek unity, as well as unity in our university as a whole. I have the freedom to build friendships with anyone-- no matter what sorority or fraternity they are in.

Freedom to express yourself.

I could literally say or do anything, and I know that I will be accepted no matter what. I may fail or make mistakes, but I can always count on my sistas to build me back up. And probably offer some witty jokes and a good ole' lip sync battle as well (shoutout to you Carter fam). ;)

You are loved for you.

Not your grades, the clothes you wear, or how much money you have. Thank you GPhi for giving me a ~true and constant~ support system who will be there for me no matter what life may throw my way.

It has given me the opportunity to help make a small difference in the community and lives around me.

Whether it be selling cookies with the Girl Scouts gals, hosting a charity event for our Philanthropy, or helping plan our campus Relay For Life-- being a part of my sorority has helped instill in me the values of giving back and always reminding me to stay grounded.

There are endless amounts of inspirational role models all around you.

The saying, "You are a reflection of the people you surround yourself with" couldn't be more true. Whenever I am with my sisters, I feel inspired to be the best I can possibly be. I feel like when you are put into a room full of 200 women it can often feel like everyone is competing with each other, but that couldn't be further from the truth in this case. Every single person is genuinely supportive of one another, and it just hows how much we can accomplish when we choose to lift each other up. I am forever grateful to be in such great company.

Something to stand for.

For me, being a part of a sorority is so much bigger than just the organization itself. It gives me the chance to empower not only women, but hopefully to make an impact on a much wider audience as well. Being a sorority woman means that you hold yourself to the highest standard, and that you set goals in order to make a positive impact on the world around you. These are values that will be ingrained not only throughout my college years, but my entire life as well.

Dressing up and hosting events with all of your favorite people. Duh.

Because there's nothing quite like dressing up as your favorite Netflix characters and dancing the night away with your best gal pals, amiright?

I would just like to say thank you to my sorority, for all of these reasons +1000 more. I am forever grateful for all of the laughs, support, love, and guidance you have given me in such a short amount of time. Gamma Phi Beta, I love you way farther than the moon and back. 🌙