From the outside looking in, understanding what the word sisterhood means can be difficult. A common misconception is that sisterhood just means friendship. While most girls in a sorority are friends, it is so much more than friendship. It’s a tight knit bond. A bond so incredibly tight that it pales in comparison to most friendships made in the past. Sisterhood is straight up incredible and without it, sorority life wouldn’t be nearly as special.

Sisterhood is a feeling that makes you smile so hard that your face hurts. It’s having your sister’s back without question, and finding any possible way to ease her pain. Sisterhood is looking around a room full of sisters, and acknowledging how special it is just to be surrounded by such incredible women. It’s a feeling that warms even the coldest of hearts. It’s honest, raw, and completely authentic. In all honesty, sisterhood is love in its purest form.

Going through recruitment, I had no clue what sisterhood meant. You always hear the word mentioned when talking about sororities, but once again I failed to comprehend the depth of how loving that word truly is. Growing up I had always been an athlete, so when I decided to go through recruitment, I was, in a sense, looking for my next team. Originally all I wanted was a group to belong to, yet after years spent in this organization I’ve realized that I’ve gotten SO much more from it.

One important aspect of the word sisterhood is that it’s very difficult to describe, yet so easy to feel. During the last round of recruitment I felt it, and immediately began to cry (tears of joy I promise) because that was the moment I witnessed the bond these sisters had. I instantly knew that I had to –more like needed- to be a part of that. My heart knew that I belonged with these girls, and the degree of sisterhood displayed helped guide me there. Everyone going through recruitment has the moment, and when I had mine it truly impacted the rest of my experience.

Sisterhood also has a funny way of hitting you with hardcore emotions when you least expect it. One moment you’ll be fine then a sister says the most kind and considerate thing to you and the tears immediately start to flow. It’s just that easy. That’s partially what makes sisterhood so great in the first place. When emotions get involved, that means that a heart is truly touched. It can be tears of joy after winning an award that you’ve worked so hard for, tears of sadness over the struggles a sister is facing, or tears that are shed while a sister gives a motivational speech that hits you right in the feels. If anything, these emotions prove just how much a sorority means to its members.

Without sisterhood, would a sorority be able to leave such an impact on the sisters involved? How special would it be without the long talks, the consistent support, and the never-ending love that pours from each member? I’m unbelievably lucky to understand what sisterhood means, and to be able to witness it first hand. It truly is a beautiful thing to behold. I fully believe that joining a sorority can be one of the best decisions a collegiate woman can make, and I encourage all women to give it the chance it deserves. I am honored, truly, to be a part of my organization. Thank you all for giving me a sisterhood that’s so hard to put into words. Sisterhood rocks and I can't wait to spend many more years celebrating that incredible feeling.