Before coming to Penn State, sisterhood has always been a large part of my life. I went to an overnight summer camp for 10 summers, an all-girls school, and grew up with 4 older sisters (and one older brother, but he is not relevant right now. Sorry, Matthew!). I have always had the privilege of having groups of girls to truly call my family no matter what time of year it was, where I was, or who I was with. College was going to be no exception.

When my older sisters would come home from college on their holiday breaks, they would walk through the door with their Greek letters on and stories to share. Hearing about their pledge classes and their big/little relationships made me realize how Greek life is an opportunity to belong to a family on such a big campus. And that is exactly what I wanted.

Greek life does not always have the best reputation or stereotypes, especially in light of recent events. However, being in a sorority is not just about having a social calendar or wearing cool gear. Being in a sorority is being in a family with older and younger sisters, forming relationships that you might have not otherwise made, and creating bonds that are truly unexplainable. To have 53 other girls in my pledge class alone who I can call on if I need them is the greatest feeling I could ever ask for.

No matter what mood I am in, I know my sisters will help. No matter what food I am craving, which is usually spicy pickles, I know that one of my sisters will be down to go sit in the dining commons with me while I stuff my face. And no matter what happens in my life, I know that my sisters will be there for me every step of the way. There is no judgment, there are no reputations, and there is no fakeness. It's all real. When you take off your heels and your makeup, you are left with each other. And that is what real friendships are and truly describes the real friendships I have made in these last few months.

So if you are on the fence about rushing a sorority or are a person who automatically assumes the worst in Greek life, please please think otherwise. Because of joining my sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, I have become a part of something that is truly so special and incredible. I have gained a new family, one that I have been waiting for.