My entire high school years, I felt I didn't fit in. I felt socially uncomfortable putting myself out there and am usually an introvert. I was always a second friend to the people around me. I fear rejection so much because of my past life that I started to develop social anxiety. The first few weeks of college were miserable. My roommate and I didn't click past acquaintances.

I left home with the hope of starting over. I was told over and over again I would find true friends in college. I spent days on end searching through over 600 clubs to see where I could find a friend group. I started college as a Junior and all my classes were with 20 to 30-year-olds. I just felt I was not finding my place and fitting in with the people around me.

I had my hopes so high on making friends in college that I was scared I would never find those people.

It wasn't until I joined a sorority that I felt I had found where I belonged. I went into recruitment wondering if I would make the standard of a typical sorority girl. I went Sigma Kappa and little did I know I was plunged into a non-stereotypical chapter. I am so glad to have been initiated to a sisterhood that values growth as chapter and sisterhood with one another.

It is like having 130 women that you can walk up to at any time and talk to.

They may not all be your best friend, but it is people to get food with, go to the library, or go to school functions. They listen and will be there for you even if you are not in their friend group. We are all so different and value one another for our differences. I no longer fear walking into a room when and fearing if I will fit in.

Those that say sororities are cults or paying for friendship may be titled to their opinion, but I suggest it as the best way to find your true people. I never had a sister and my brother never cared enough about me to have a relationship with me. To me, the family wasn't first. I felt in my own family I didn't belong. A sorority has given me a family where I belong. Sisters are open to being your friend even if you have never talked to them or gone out with them.

It is not awkward with them. Before I would never start conversations with people for fear of judgment. My sisters are open to knowing me for who I am. Friendships with sisters are easy and natural.

A sorority forces you to put yourself out there in a group of people of all kinds coming together for one purpose. I am so glad to have found my home and grown from the person I was and to have gained the friendships I longed to find.