I was a member of a sorority. A proud and dedicated member. And after some time, I left. Call it what you will: dropping, de-sistering, jumping ship. Whatever label you put on it, I left. I sent in my letter, sold my t-shirts, and just ceased to be an official sister.
What I think some women might not know, and will probably wonder about, is why I chose to leave. There is a litany of reasons and none of them are important enough to put in this article. But I wish everyone knew how torturous the decision was for me. I didn't want to drop. It wasn't a choice I made as I was flying by the seat of my pants. When I walked into 2016, I made a promise to myself to put myself first, to honor my feelings, to listen to my gut. And 17 days into the new year, I was staring down the decision to stay or go. And I wrestled with the decision for a really long time. And I finally made one.
To the sisters I left: I love you. I will always love you. You are my sisters, my heart. And while I am no longer on the roster, I took an oath to be there for you all. I left an organization that connected us together, but I hope that you realize that you have not left my heart. Our bond, in my eyes, goes beyond my official membership.
To the sisters who have remained: Thank you. I know that this isn't ideal and I know you aren't the biggest fans of my choice. But thank you for loving me through it and not pushing me down another path. Thank you for telling me that our friendship that wouldn't change and stick by that. Thank you, thank you, a million times, thank you.
To the sisters who left me: I miss you. And it hurts that our friendship, our sisterhood, was contingent on my membership. But I respect your decision in a way that I would hope you respect mine. I hope this letter finds you well. Know that I loved you then and I love you now.
Leaving my organization was the hardest thing I have had to decide thus far. A large portion of my daily and weekly routine is gone. I don't see as many people as I used to and sometimes I feel like I am floating, unanchored to anything. But the fact remains that my life was changed and made better by joining a Panhellenic organization. And though I don't wear letters anymore, Greek life was everything I needed it to be when I needed it. It still is.
Energetic dance performance under the spotlight.
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