The anticipation of going back to school or even going to college for the first time helps mask the anxiety that students have prior to arriving to their school of choice. Going to an out-of-state college was not something I always had in mind, but I do not regret my decision one bit.

What helped me transition the most was joining a sorority. Yes, this may sound incredibly cliche but going to a school full of 38,000 students is slightly overwhelming especially when it is not in the state you have lived in for your whole life. A sorority means more than just a group of girls that you share similar talents and ideas with. A sorority is a home in which you can feel comfortable and have people you can lean on in times of need.

One afternoon I was walking to my sorority house and I received a text message from some family members asking if I had known the latest news on my aunt who had been battling with cancer for many years. She was always a fighter and I did not think anything of the text other than the fact that maybe she was now cancer-free for good.

Unfortunately, it was not the most uplifting news. I had found out that things had taken a turn for the worst. She had been admitted to the hospital and no one knew how much time we had left with her. I sat down in the formal living room and just sank into the couch. One girl in my pledge class had come over to say hi and talk to me and all I wanted to do was cry. I finally broke down to her and she was there to listen to all of what I had bottled up inside of me. I felt vulnerable, but knowing that someone I was not that close to yet sit there and comfort me was the most reassuring feeling ever. Sarah, there are not enough words to say how thankful I am to have you as one of my best friends in Theta.

My sisters have always been there to distract me or help cheer me up when I have had a bad day. Whether it's a spontaneous movie night or just a quick bite to eat at Taco Mama or Panera I always feel like I am my best self with these girls.

Did I have moments of doubt? Sure.

Did I contemplate dropping at one point or another? Of course.

But I feel like that is all a part of the process.

Walking into a room of about 300+ girls and knowing that they are with you from now until years after graduating is a little intimidating. But if you are looking for a community to be a part of joining a sorority is definitely something to consider.

Not to mention the sisterhood and philanthropy events that happen throughout the semesters, there is always something to do and equally another way to get more involved as time goes on.

As a rising senior, I can look back at the past three years and truthfully say that being a member of Kappa Alpha Theta has made an incredible impact on the way I have bonded and found friends from all around the country.

If I could give my freshman year self some advice the only thing I would say is to step outside of your comfort zone. Don't doubt yourself because there is more to life than just sitting in a classroom or stopping someone on the street and introducing yourself. Take advantage of the opportunities right in front of you.

Thank you, Theta, for showing me going to an out-of-state college is not scary especially when you can find a bond with girls who are passionate about similar things.