Sororities have such a stigma these days, people believe it’s all about the crafting, apparel, and titles. I promise you, it is so much more than that. It’s true that from the outside looking in, you can’t understand it, and from the inside looking out you can’t explain it-but I’m going to try my best.

Becoming a member of my sorority was one of the best things to happen to me. Now, I truly understand that when you have that many girls together there’s going to be conflicts and disagreements, but the same can be said for any biological family as well. My big sister and grandbig have helped me learn and grow so much while giving support and unconditional love along the way. My little sister has opened my eyes to see that there is so much more to life than what I already knew, and I try to give her the same love and support that I received. I will always be thankful for the sorority giving me my second family and such amazing influences in my life.

I have also been given the chance to hold leadership positions, and I currently hold one on the executive board. The greatest thing I have learned from this is to stand up for what I believe in and trust my judgment more than ever before. In addition to that, I’ve learned to budget and manage my time more efficiently and form friendships that I may not have otherwise. I still talk to many of my older sorority sisters from when I first became a member (and have since graduated) daily to get their advice on the sorority and life. It has given me role models who I admire and am constantly learning from.

My sorority has given me new, wonderful organizations to donate my time to. The philanthropies we participate in will forever be a part of me, and I love the service and giving we do to benefit them. We not only participate in our specific philanthropy events, but so many others on campus. Philanthropy is a passion for my sisters and me, and it is one of my favorite things about us.

My pledge class and the new member process are an essential part of any organization. Our pledge class was the largest that our chapter has ever had. Having so many different personalities was difficult at times, but through our bonding activities during the process, I came to appreciate each sister in their own way. They are loving, kind, caring, smart, selfless, and so much more. Together, we made a mini family within our giant sorority family.

There’s so much more to this crazy beautiful thing called a sorority than I could fit in one article. In the end, I hope you take away either a peek into our little world of Greek life, or a reminder of everything your own sorority has to offer. Remember it’s not for 4 years, it’s for life, and what you experience and learn as an active member will forever be a part of you.