It was late August, and I stood outside of a large three-story house with tall, white pillars and tremendous French doors. I waited at the end of a line of about sixty other girls, in alphabetical order, for those doors to open up and welcome us inside. The countdown began, and as the doors burst open, a crazy number of girls lined the hallways yelling and clapping to their house’s chant.

Often, I am approached with the question, “Why are you in a sorority?”

I am told, “Oh, you don’t seem like you would be in a sorority at all.”

How about this one: “Isn’t being in a sorority basically buying your college friends?”

Going into recruitment this past fall, I was nervous and uneasy. What if I ended up in some sorority where I did not fit in? Would I make friends? Would staying an active member be worth it? Would I have enough time set aside to make the commitment?

I’ll even admit, when I accepted my bid, I was not completely sure of myself. The first time walking into the house full of strangers that had “bid” on me was bizarre, but even more unexpected was when they welcomed me immediately as if I were family.

Though I was not able to attend chapter meetings at all my first semester of college due to classes, I still believed that I was truly put into that chapter for a reason. Of course, I had received my “big” sister, and I loved hanging out with her, but I would see pictures of all of my other sisters on social media hanging out together because they were best friends. I needed to experience that for myself and truly find the lifelong friends that were just waiting for me.

Second semester, I began to attend chapter meetings and made a concerted effort to socialize with new girls, forming real connections and friendships. In doing so, I felt like these girls had truly become my sisters and I looked forward to events we had, whether it was recruitment workshops, chapter retreats, or date parties. I even helped form and join our outdoor intramural soccer team (and we had a pretty good season, too!!). I began to make a point to wear my letters more often, and was proud to do so.

I do not pay my dues in order to keep these sister friends. I know that even if I were to no longer wear the letters, I know I have developed friendships that will last a long time with girls who I never would have otherwise met.