Dear Alpha Sigma,

Things weren't always easy for me growing up. I never had a lot of close friends and I was always the outcast, no matter how hard I tried to get involved at my school. Honestly, I was afraid that college wasn't going to be any different. Sorority recruitment was an extremely last minute decision I made during my first semester on campus. I never could have imagined all of the amazing memories this organization would bring me. Now, as a sophomore in college, I wake up every day knowing I found somewhere I truly belong.

Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone. Being an active member of a sorority and meeting what feels like a million new people on bid day was definitely outside of my normal routine. Ever since I walked through the front door as a newly initiated member, I have experienced so much and I wouldn't trade that for anything. Through this organization, I have become a better version of myself.

Thank you for helping me meet one of my best friends. Even though our situation wasn't even close to being conventional, we learned to make the most out of it. I'm so excited to see how this semester and beyond impacts our relationship. We are going to have so much fun and make so many new memories during the next two years. Even after we graduate, I know we will be together forever.

Thank you for being incredibly down-to-earth. I've had my fair share of doubts about being in a sorority. I used to think that I would have to mold myself to whatever chapter I ended up being a part of. I'm so glad that I was horribly wrong. Every girl in this sorority is unique and has their own strengths and weaknesses. When we come together for a common goal, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.

I found my home, not in the house I walked into on bid day, but in all the wonderful girls I now call my sisters. I have never felt so welcome in a large group of women. Even though I've never really needed a shoulder to cry on, it comforts me knowing that I can confide in more than 100 people; in the active members and our alumni. I have come a long way since I started this journey, but I want to get even closer to this chapter and the women inside of it. Alpha Sigma has not only brought me people I can rely on, but people that I genuinely care about in every way.

Thank you, Alpha Sigma, for being there for me when I needed it the most.