In high school, Greek Life was rarely ever on my mind. Senior year, I had some friends ask me if I would join a sorority; but my honest answer was no. The only perception I had of Greek Life was the stereotypical ones you see in movies and I wanted no part. I was an incredibly shy person, sticking to my academics and having a set group of friends. I was only involved in one club. I thought that that was me. I never understood when people would tell me I had untapped potential because all I saw myself as was an introverted, high school girl who was only good at academics.

I went into college with that mindset of myself and Greek Life, not seeing how we could ever be in the same sentence, and it remained so for a year. I kept to familiar friends who had also come to attend the same university as I, and branched out to a few people, which was an accomplishment in itself for me. However, as my time here at the University of New Orleans went on, I started to pay more attention to UNO Greek Life. I started to observe all the events they put on campus, the sorority/fraternity members that were in my classes, as well as the ones I had become friends with not realizing that they were in a sorority or fraternity. It was gradually coming to my attention that it wasn't at all what I thought. Then a "what if?" started to form in my mind. When that happened, I knew what I was inevitably going to do. Once a "what if" forms in my mind, I can't let it go until I try.

So I took a leap and joined a sorority.

I knew that joining a sorority would change my life, I just didn't realize how much. After joining Delta Zeta, as cheesy as it sounds, I began to blossom. I went from being the girl who did nothing, extracurricular wise, to the girl who seemed to do everything; and I love it. A lot of it involves putting myself out there, which I was absolutely terrified to do before. Of course, some of that fear still lingers, but becoming involved in a sisterhood has instilled in me a new sense of self confidence. I speak better in front of people. Sure everyone gets nervous when talking in front of a crowd, but I'm no longer feeling a dooming sense of failure before doing a presentation. I owe part of this to speaking in front of my chapter every week. That would have terrified me before, but by repeating it weekly, it's getting better. I feel comfortable. This doesn't just apply to crowds or a group of people, but even on an individual basis. I approach people easier now, which is beneficial since being involved urges me to do so.

I learned that the only one holding me back was myself. Joining taught me that the world isn't out to get you, though it may seem so sometimes, it's just waiting for you to welcome it in.

Joining a sorority also gave me something to identify with. I'm a Delta Zeta. I'm an intelligent woman. I'm strong. I'm kind. I'm important. No one but you has the power to make you believe these things about yourself. It's all within you, you just have to accept and believe it about yourself. Sometimes you just need a little push; and that's exactly what I needed.

It's alleviating to know that when I'm down or having trouble, I have a support system ready and willing to help pick me back up, because we're all in this together. And they know that I would do the same for them.

I'm not saying that Delta Zeta is what has formed the person I am today, but it certainly gave me a push in the right direction. It has helped me to realize that I am more than what I thought I was. One doesn't need compliments for the pure flattery of it; sometimes they just really need to hear it to believe it about themselves.

So thank you Delta Zeta for helping me grow towards the woman I want to be. I'm still flourishing within my potential, but thank you for giving me the push I needed. I value each and every one of my sisters, and I never regret the day that I decided to join. I would never regret my family away from home.