Dear Dorothy, Ida, Minna, Eva and Sylvia,
When I first began attending college, the last thing on my mind was joining a sorority. I was dead set on sticking with the friends I had made on my own, figuring that was enough. Then in the spring of 2014, the sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority walked into my life and things haven't been the same since. I always formed my opinions of sororities based on how the media portrayed them: drunken, promiscuous and careless. When I met these girls that unknowingly would soon become my sisters, I was amazed by how down to earth and relatable they were. They welcomed me with open hearts and open minds, as eager to get to know me as I was to get to know them. I instantly knew I didn't want to just be a sorority girl, I didn't want the parties, the frat boys or the attention. All I wanted was to be a part of this amazing sisterhood, something bigger than myself, a place to call home and a family as supportive and loving as my own blood.
The number of lessons my sisters have taught me is infinite. Throughout my two years in Greek life, it's safe to say I've learned a lot about myself. When you're surrounded by 40+ girls pretty regularly, they start calling you out on things you've never even noticed. For example, how I get "crazy eyes" when I'm stressed or annoyed, or the way I flip my hair more times in a minute than an average person. They know my temper and how I get very anxious over the smallest things but love me anyway. At the same time, they learn when there's something wrong and always find a way to fix it. Whether it's letting me take my time with my music or surprising me with candy as a pick-me-up, my sisters never cease to amaze me with their hearts of gold and ways of understanding me better than I do at times.
On top of exposing my silly quirks and habits, my sisters have taken a huge part in shaping me into the woman I am today. They taught me never to think of myself as anything less than extraordinary, beautiful and worthy of the world. They taught me how to handle serious situations and distinguish between an end-of-the-world event and a simple bump in the road. They've shown me that no matter what I do or where I am, they will always be standing behind me to have my back, but have also taught me that I can handle so much more than I thought I was capable of on my own. To sum it up, my sisters have shown me more love, acceptance and support than I ever thought possible, and they are everything I never knew I needed.
So, to my founding sisters, to the DIMES of DPhiE, to the women who made all of this possible, thank you doesn't even begin to describe the gratitude I have for the five of you. I promise to wear our royal purple and pure gold colors with pride until my last breath. I will never stop crediting Delta Phi Epsilon for changing me into a better friend, woman and person. I will continue to be rather than to seem to be, and ensure that our values are upheld for future generations. It is an honor to call myself a sister of Delta Phi Epsilon, my only regret being I can't freeze time to stay in this place with my sisters forever.
Yours In True Sisterhood,
Stephanie Fraser of the Epsilon Epsilon chapter
