I know what you're thinking. There are so many other articles about "Why I Joined *Insert Sorority,*" "Why You Should Join *Insert Sorority,*" "How Greek Life Has Changed My Life," and blah blah blah.

Hear me out.

When I went through rush, I came in with a closed mind. I wanted one sorority and I knew it. Along the way, I became more open minded because I actually liked most of the girls at the houses I went into.

On bid day, I opened my bid from AOII and wasn't overly excited. Well, that was an understatement. I was not happy at all with my bid. I didn't feel like I belonged there and I just didn't feel like it was the right fit for me.

But my mama didn't raise a quitter, so I stuck with it, pushing myself to be involved and to make friends. Not only did I make friends, I made sisters who will last a lifetime.

These girls who I "pay to be my friend" have taught me so much more than I could have ever thought possible. They have shown me kindness when I needed it most, support through all of my trial and errors, strength when all I felt was weakness, and above all, unconditional love.

I'm not the only one who is thankful for Alpha Omicron Pi and what AOII has taught me.

"What has AOII taught you?"

"Public speaking! I have learned how to confidently stand in front of 200 women and present information. Something I wouldn't be able to do without AOII. Patience! People don't realize that it takes patience to be in a sorority. Trying to hear everyone's opinion is a difficult task, but AOII has increased my ability to come to a common ground." - Olivia Jackson

"Understanding. I think AOII has made me more understanding and accepting of people that I'm different from and learned that true friendship and love for each other can overcome any difference."- Taylor Yancey

"AOII has taught me that it's okay to not be okay sometimes because you will always have a support system to be strong for you when you feel like you're ready to give up."- Anna Hodges

"AOII has taught me to be myself because I am constantly surrounded with the best friends that are genuine and I know won't judge me no matter what."- Rainey Bailey

"It's taught me accountability for everything I do - grades, how I carry myself, how I treat others & how I allow others to treat me!"- Rachel Horn

"I've learned that you have 200 gals to love you even when you don't love yourself. I know I can call any one of y'all in the middle of the night and you'll be there for me without hesitation."- Diana Malavé

"AOII has taught me the true meaning of 'unconditional love'. Whether you are having a bad day, do bad on a test, or make a bad decision, you always have sisters that have your back. Whether you barely know them or they're your best friend, you always have someone to call. Seeing people act this sisterly has taught me to be that person to others."- Emily Winter

"AOII has taught me to be accepting of others. Whether they have different hobbies from mine or opinions. I have learned so much from joining AOII and it has made me a better person. My sisters constantly show love and are always supportive of any decision made by a sister or I. Wouldn't trade them for anything in the world."- Bailey Beistline

"AOII has taught me to be confident in myself. With the love and support of my sisters I feel I am strong enough to do anything my heart desires. I always know my sisters will help me with anything I need along the way."- Alexis McCarley

"AOII has taught me that no matter where I am my sisters will be there for me and support me with whatever I am going through!"- Blayne Young

I may not have picked AOII during rush, but AOII picked me, and I'm incredibly thankful for the friends, opportunities, adventures, memories, and lessons it has taught me.

AOII means something different to everyone, and each sister has learned something different from it. AOII has created leaders, lovers, patience, understanding, confidence, volunteers, and above all, a sisterhood.

To every sister, Alpha Omicron Pi is a family. We will always be able to call 102 Olympic Boulevard home.