My school doesn't allow students to rush during freshman year or in the spring, which means that most people do it in the fall of their sophomore year. While I rushed as a sophomore, I didn't end up joining an organization until my junior year—which

ultimately became one of the best things I've done with my college experience. I know, I know. I'm a cliche.

Going Greek was certainly not something I focused on when looking at colleges, choosing one, or even throughout my entire freshman year. Sure, I'd been a part of organizations and clubs before, and I already had a really strong bond with another (relatively) large group on campus—the

Bonners, fellow members of a community service program that has changed my life. Even now, as a fully initiated member, they are my tribe. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't love my Bonners more than I love my siblings, or vice versa. It's a different group, and a different kind of bond. But having them did make me think, at least for awhile, that I had my people, and I didn't need more. I didn't think I needed a Greek organization.

I never really thought until rush week came junior year that I wanted to try again, and I still didn't fully know why. But I was drawn to that first rush event, and to the Alpha Delta Phi Society table. They were brand-new on campus; in fact, if I joined, I would be a member of the founding class.

Almost immediately, I was excited by the idea of starting something. But it was more than that. It was about being a part of something that would last, about leaving a legacy. One of the best things about Greek life as a whole is that it offers us that—a

real chance to leave a mark on the history of our chapter. Being Greek means that our names are written down somewhere besides the filing cabinets in the registrar's office.

Being an Alpha Delt was never something I thought I would love as much as I did until it was already happening. I had nothing to compare it to. Our voracious love of song, sense of tradition, fierce determination as a group, and dedication to caring about each other no matter what are my backbone. Now and always.