February 19th was the day my college career changed forever.

That was the day I got my bid to Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi and found my new home. 5 weeks ago, I was just another girl on the Binghamton Campus, and now I've learned so much about what being in a sorority really means.

1. Being in a sorority really does make the campus feel a lot smaller.

Binghamton is not a huge campus, but it can definitely be overwhelming walking around alone and not knowing anyone. An hour after getting my bid, I walked into the dining hall and immediately had all these new people waving at me. Because of my sorority, I can walk to class and always see a friendly face on the way.

2. The apparel really is one of the best parts.

Before joining Sigma, I was always jealous of the girls who could just throw on a sorority tank top or sweatshirt and stroll to class. I came to college with some shirts and sweatshirts from high school, but it's so annoying having to explain the inside jokes and what they mean. I wanted to have shirts that people would just know what it was. After Big /Little week and being spoiled, I stand by this statement 100%.: The apparel, or "para", is one of the best parts.

3. You really do find your lifelong friends.

For me, I got my big and we became best friends immediately. Tori, if you're reading this I love you. Every sister in my sorority that I've spoken to has been so supportive of me. I've connected with so many girls on so many different levels and have found a family away from my family at home. I know that the girls I've met will be my forever friends and I'm so excited to continue bonding with them.

4. Time Management

In the past weeks, I've been crazy busy. Bonding with my pledge class, interviewing and getting to know the sisters, along with managing school work and studying is not easy. I've had to learn to maximize my time and really use my free-time. I have a two-hour break on Mondays in between classes. I used to go to my room and watch Netflix, but now I've taken that time to start getting schoolwork and studying done.

5. Hazing is never necessary.

Everyone has heard stories of sororities and fraternities hazing. Hazing can be seen as a way for members to bond and earn the respect of the sisters and brothers. What I've learned is that this is not necessary. In my 5 weeks of pledging, there has not been one moment, I have felt uncomfortable. There are so many ways to bond and show the sisters and brothers you care that don't involve hazing.

I'm 5 weeks into joining a sorority and loving and learning each moment of it.