Coming into college I would never have thought to join a sorority. I used to think that girls who were in a sorority were just paying to have friends, and I would mock the whole concept of a sorority as a whole. Now being in one, I can say with confidence that it really isn't that way AT ALL. Being in a sorority has been the best thing that has happened to me in college so far, and that will probably never change.

AKPhi gave me my closest friends that I've ever had in my life. I know it sounds so cliche to say that, but friends in college really matter and make college what it is. They make a place that is so far from home, home. Relationships with people from high school versus relationships with people at college is a whole different experience. The relationships you build at college (I feel) are the ones that will seriously last you your lifetime. Yeah you were friends with Betty since kindergarten...but Jane is the one who seriously lived in the bed next to you for a whole school year. The types of relationships built in college are ones for a lifetime and AKPhi was able to give me a home away from home, and a solid 40+ friends for life (and growing every semester).

As a younger sister, some people are surprised to hear that I am actually close with the older sisters and hang out with them. In my sorority, age and year don't separate the relationships between each other. It really is hard to find a sorority that is as close at AKPhi is. I know that no matter what I will always have a solid group of girls to have my back.

Through being in a sorority, I am not only friends with the girls in my sorority, but also friends with girls and guys in other organizations as well. Being friends with all these people make so many connections, which is also such a good thing to have while entering the real world.

Being in an organization on campus, especially Greek life, make the campus feel so big, but so small at the same time. All the people you meet in Greek life make Oneonta, home.

No one should ever knock being affiliated with a group of girls, whichever the sorority or organization. Growing up I always had more guy friends than I did girl friends, and being surrounded by a group of girls who are just like you is so empowering as an individual. Being around these girls build my confidence and help shape who I am and want to be. They are beautiful, strong role models that will never strive to be nothing less than they first intended. They are the people that will make college so hard to leave, but will also be the girls there at my wedding some day.