I know that some people are not sure if Greek life is for them, but I know, for me, joining a sorority was the right decision. I knew I wanted to join a sorority when I moved into my dorm freshman year, but I mainly just wanted the lavish social life that accompanies the letters on your chest (come on, I know I’m not the only one). I was also told that it was more than the social life. I was told I would find my best friends, but I did not know the depth of these incredible friendships until I got my bid card, the night I became a Kappa Kappa Gamma. Here are some of the reasons why joining a sorority was the best thing I have ever done.

1) I finally have sisters.

I have two brothers. NO sisters. Growing up, I hung out with the boys. I ran around the neighborhood, participated in baseball tournaments, and played video games. I was the minority. I always wanted a sister to do girls things with. I needed an older sister to teach me things from braiding my hair, to putting on makeup and not looking like a raccoon. I need someone to talk about boys to, because I could obviously NEVER talk to Mom about boys. The moment I joined a sorority, I gained sisters to join me in these girly activities. I have all these sisters to teach me new things to do with my hair and makeup and talk about boys for hours without end.

2) My house is full of study buddies.

Every girl in my house has to keep a specific GPA to remain in good standing with the house. So, we have to study our butts off everyday. If I am struggling, I know I can find multiple girls that have already taken or are also taking the same class who can help me out. Every girl in my house would gladly help anyone else study or work on homework. We want each other to succeed in life, and it starts with getting good grades and working hard in school. We don’t let each other slack and push each other to succeed.

3) It's also filled with people to motivate me.

No matter what I am doing, I will have someone behind me supporting me and cheering me on. These girls give me the strength and courage to work my hardest and push my limits. Even outside of the classroom, seeing your sister accomplish something is such a wonderful feeling. When you join a sorority, you gain an entire squad of life cheerleaders.

4) They act as a second conscience.

Joining Greek life makes you a member of a prestigious organization, and you are expected to carry yourself as such. At first, this sounds like more rules to hold you back, but these are meant to help you now and later in life. Posting obviously drunk pictures and using vulgar language online can harm your chances of getting a job in the real world. I also have girls who have my best interest at heart, so they will let me know if they believe that I am doing something that is harming me.

5) I've made lots of networking connections.

A sorority is a national organization. Since I just joined a sorority, I have already met so many other Kappas. I found out that a ton of my mom’s friends were in sororities when they were in college, and a few of them were in Kappa Kappa Gamma! Just finding out another woman is in the same sorority as you creates an instant connection. I have also made connections outside of Kappa. When joining a sorority, you get the chance to meet all the other people involved in the Greek community on campus. A strange and powerful bond forms when you find out someone else is Greek.

6) I'm never alone.

Whether I want to go out on a Tuesday night or I would rather stay in and watch hours of "Friends" on Netflix, I always have a sister to join me. Each and every sorority is filled with unique girls who enjoy unique pastimes. If I need a gym buddy, I just have to yell down the hall to find someone. If I feel like being spontaneous and taking a road trip, I would have an entire car full of girls who are down to go. No matter what I feel like doing, I do not have to worry about doing it alone.

7) I met my best friends I'll ever have.

College is the time to find friends that will last a lifetime. Everyone talks about his or her experience with his or her freshman year roommate, the guy they met in their biology lecture, or the group of people they joined a club with. These people will be with you in every triumph and hardship you meet in these few years. I found 37 of these lifelong friends when I pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma. I can always go to these incredible women whenever I need to talk to someone or if I just do not want to be alone. These girls are my support system. No matter what, I know they will be there for me. I found my lifelong friends in Kappa Kappa Gamma.

I completely understand that joining a Greek life is not for everyone. I strongly feel that everyone should just give it a chance. Becoming a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma has changed my life for the better and I want everyone to have a similar, positive experience!