A year ago I was in the same position as all of you. I was mentally exhausted, excited for tomorrow, probably hungry, and also very afraid. I was terrified of making the wrong decision.
Now, I had the moment. The moment you just knew. I remember I was walking up the stairs at the sisterhood round with a senior at the time, Ashleigh, and getting chills all the way up my arms as she spoke about her experiences. Yet, my best friends were all having moments at different houses. I was caught between doing the best thing for me and being in the same sorority as my friends.
I stand before all of you to tell you I 100% ended up in the right house. I say this because I found myself in Sigma Kappa. My first semester of college was seemingly perfect. I made amazing friends. Friends, I am still close with today and we made memories that will last a lifetime. Yet, I was becoming a person that simply wasn’t me. In Sigma Kappa I have never been obligated to be anything other than who I am. I have been accepted in this house and celebrated for all my faults, quirks, and strengths and for that I am forever thankful.
Thank you for all the friendship. Because I learned that becoming a member of Sigma Kappa meant I would never have to dance alone. True friendship brings you out of your comfort zone. That is why Olivia dances everywhere we go, even though she truly has some unique moves.
Thank you for sitting with me in class. Leah, I’m so glad you never let me fail a government test… alone.
Thank you for the honesty. I will never forget when Kelsey told me I would be classy and that was the end of discussion.
Thank you for all the support. I honestly don’t know one person more genuinely supportive than Lizzie. Her essence brings out the best in everyone around her.
Thank you for all the memories. Melissa I will never forget running around this house trying to set up and falling down the stairs while you graceful sprinted up them. That was the hardest I had laughed in a while.
Thank you for the laughs. Marlaina I love the way you laugh at your jokes before me. Honestly, sometimes I close my eyes and see the picture of you in the bath with a full-on bubble beard. Never change.
Thank you for confidence. I met Margret when we started working together and I was absolutely terrified of her because I thought she was super cool, but over last semester she became not only my sister but my great friend. You taught me never to be afraid to befriend anyone in this sorority.
Thank you for all the unexpected surprises. Madison you are honestly the best big I could have asked for. You will always be the only person I know who can pull off a "groutfit" on Saturday nights.
Thank you for believing in me. I didn’t really understand my leadership potential in this sorority until I got to know Elena and Kyle.
But most importantly thank you for making me who I am. Because sisterhood is getting kicked out of the piercing shop for having a Wendy’s frosty, making it home just in time for DX, forcing your friend to go to Date Party even though she just found out her date sucks, finding 99 cent necklaces at American Eagle, jamming out to Harry Styles in the car, driving to Roanoke to get spray tans, and always having someone to call at 4 a.m. when you’re sad.
This sisterhood is "come as you are." We don’t want you to be anything you’re not.
