Hey Ladies! (Yeah!)

I never knew joining a sorority would change me as much as it has, and I owe it all to you my dear sorority. I can confidently say that I am not the same person since I signed my bid. But before I get sappy, I want to thank you for all the memories you have given me, but most importantly, all the women you have brought into my life.

Thank you for giving me my perfect Big and sassy family. All the memories I have made with my Big are enough to last a lifetime, and I have only you to thank. From all our coffee dates to the nights she let me cry to her and the ones that took care of me because I had a little too much fun, they will never be forgotten. She became the first person I want to tell good or bad news to. She knows me better than I know myself sometimes, and most importantly, she is the one who can always put a smile on my face. My Big has quickly become one of my best friends and now my future roommate.

Thank you for the amazing girls I went through recruitment with. The women in my bid class are unique, and that’s what makes them special. These girls have brought out the best in me and have truly made me a better person. They let me be myself with them and never judge me for my choices (because they are usually right there beside me making the same dumb choice). They have also quickly become some of my best friends and are the ones I never want to be without. We all know how to have a good time with each other, whether that is going to a fraternity party or going on spontaneous shopping trips, a night spent with them is never wasted. I am thankful that I can call any of them to cheer me up when times are rough and that I can in return be the shoulder to cry on when they are in need. Our daily lunches might be forgotten, but the friendships we have made never will be. These women have really brought out the best in me, and I really cannot thank my sorority enough for bringing them into my life.

Finally, thank you for each and every sister you have brought into my life as well. The friendships I have made with some of these women will truly be ones I cherish forever.

Now for the sappy part (getting my tissues).

Signing my bid was the start of a brand new chapter in my life, and I never knew it would be the most important chapter thus far. I joined my sorority as a shy woman, lacking confidence and overall unhappy. I can say now that that is not the case one bit.

You have taught me that it is OK to show people my true, goofy self and have truly brought me out of my shell. I don’t think a day goes by where I am not making a fool out of myself, which is honestly the best way to live. You have helped me learn not to care what people think of me, which has helped me be myself even outside of our chapter. I honestly do not think I have ever been my true complete self until now, and I’ve never loved myself more.

You have helped me find my voice for the first time ever. I am not afraid to speak up anymore and speak my opinion. For once I feel like people actually value my ideas and want to hear what I have to say. This has also carried on to outside the chapter because I am finally not afraid to stand up for my opinions or myself.

Finally, you have shown me what it means to be happy. You have brought these amazing women into my life and given me the purpose I have been searching for. All the love I feel each and every day from my sisters has in turn made me love myself for the first time in a very long time. I pledged myself to you at a very difficult time in my life. I did not know who I was as an individual. I didn’t have many friends and was suffering from severe depression. I was at a brand new school having a very hard time adjusting. And then you came along. I can never thank you enough for changing my life.

So my last final thought for you, my dear sorority, is: Don’t change. Continue to be this amazing presence in my life and treat all my future sisters the same way you have treated me.

Sincerely,

A Very Grateful Sister

P.S.: Thanks for constantly putting up with my sassy days and sarcastic remarks. It really is all out of love, the greatest of all things.