I remember in high school watching movies about stuck-up sororities girls who were cast as ditsy and backstabbing. I was scared away by these movies, and never imagined I'd see myself as a sorority sister. Yet here I am all these years later, and I'm now initiated into a sorority full of sisters that I grew close with before I even accepted my bid. Yep, me, the girl who was afraid of sororities all but three years ago. So I'm here to debunk the myth I believed for so long.

I learned that pledging is a lot of work. When I received my bid I didn't imagine my life would turn into weekly meetings (sometimes more than one), bake sales, volunteer work, and lots of crafts. My first week as a pledge turned into a lot of meetings, and teachings, and I had to really learn how to manage my time. It wasn't easy, but I learned how to make cuts where needed; less time at home, fewer hours at work, less time with my friends. It was hard to get used to this, but in the end, it was worth it.

Getting my big sister was one of the best moments of pledging. I now have a Big sister I get to call my own. The amount of crafts and apparel she spent on me was outrageous, but I am so grateful. I didn't think Big/Little's were as serious as they are, but believe me when I say that they are. They literally dedicate themselves to you for the rest of your college career, and I already know that my Big is going to be my friend for life. I'm so appreciative, pledging made me learn this.

Between the time I've spent getting to know all my sisters, the time I spent at meetings and teachings and events. From bid day to big/little reveal, I wouldn't trade my sorority or my sisters for anything. I wish I could go back and tell my past self how wrong I was about sorority stereotypes, but I'm glad I didn't let it stick with me when I started college.

Once, always.