It’s summer, so that means it's also orientation season. The freshmen are eager to get signed up for fall classes and meet some of their peers. The transfer students are looking forward to a new school with different opportunities to continue their pursuit of a degree. For those of us in Greek life, orientation season is when we get to meet a sampling of potential new members, getting us all excited for recruitment and the new members we will receive on bid day. But it's at these orientations and organization fairs where we, the actives, have to think about why we went Greek and why we have continued to be a part of our organizations. I love sharing my Greek life story and I am so glad I decided to go through with recruitment.

I never thought I would go Greek. I always thought it was for the privileged preppy girls with flawless hair and skin. I also thought it was way too expensive for me and I wouldn’t be able to afford it. I honestly never thought I would fit in with sorority girls and that they would not accept me if I even tried. But, despite my fear of rejection, I went to the interest meeting anyway, then promptly signed up and never looked back. My thought was, if I hated it, I could drop out of recruitment and everything would be fine. I am so thankful that I went through with it. Everything I have experienced so far has been worth it.

I am so happy I took that leap of faith and went through formal recruitment. I would encourage everyone to do so if you have the means to. It is one of the best experiences, but you have to be willing to commit yourself to being the best sister you can. Greek life is great, but it is best when you are all working on bettering yourself for each other as sisters or brothers. Sometimes, you won’t all agree or something may go wrong, but you can’t just give up on each other. It’s about being a part of a team and working together as a cohesive organization.

Greek life has given me so many opportunities to excel, not only in my academics, but also in my social skills. I used to be pretty shy when it came to talking to new people. Now, I can meet someone and have a conversation with them like I have known them for years. I am more confident in myself and better about forgiving myself for my mistakes. I am more self-aware and realistic in my abilities. I am encouraged to continue to keep my grades up, providing study groups and enthusiasm when I get an A on a test.

My sisters are the best support team anyone could ask for. It doesn't matter what it is, I know that they will back me up 100 percent. That doesn't necessarily mean they always agree with me, but I know that they would be there for me no matter what. These women I have had the pleasure to meet and befriend are some of the most caring, intelligent and free-spirited people I have ever met. I can truly say that I have met some of my lifelong friends through Greek life. I would not change it for a thing.