Before entering the world of Greek life, I was skeptical about the situation. I had false interpretations of what it was like; I thought that all of the girls were the same- preppy and blond. After a lonely first semester of college, my whole cognition of sororities changed. I took a leap of faith and joined an organization that changed my life, and honestly, saved my college career. Prior to joining Zeta Tau Alpha, I was a loner. I spent Friday nights in my dorm room feeling sorry for myself, and thinking that friends were going to fall right into my hands. I realized that I needed to take control of my own life and I soon found people who aren’t just my friends, but also double as my sisters.

I didn’t think that a sorority would lead me to so many opportunities and provide me with so much support. Opposed to Friday night Netflix binge watching, I now have sisters to hang out with. I always have someone there to talk to, and someone to sit next to during classes. I can always count on them if I need a shoulder to cry on, or a girl’s night out. There are always events and socials going on, which makes great opportunities to bond with my sisters and meet new people as well.

Unlike what others have to say, I don’t pay for my friends. I do pay for everything that Zeta Tau Alpha has to offer though, which is friendship, leadership, volunteering, and making me into a woman of morals and class. After only a short few months, Zeta became one of the most important aspects of my life. This is what it means to me:

Zest for life: After joining Zeta, I now want to go outside of my dorm room and get involved. Whether its Rhyme without a Reason socials, pink-out basketball games, or having sleepovers with your pledge class, being a member of Zeta Tau Alpha provides me with opportunities to make the best out of my college career.

Everlasting friendships: The whole reason of joining a sorority is to find your people, your forever friends, and that is exactly what happened to me. I met down to earth girls from the very beginning and I now call them my sisters.

Trust: Two-hundred plus girls seems like a lot, but I know that even if we aren’t that close, I can count on every single one to be there for me if I need them. I can trust them with anything. There is a saying in our chapter, which is “hold everyone accountable,” meaning that we are all there for one another no matter what.

A new start: My first semester was rough, but as a new member, I created a fresh start to my college career. One filled with friendship, opportunities, and everything that Zeta embodies.

My advice to all upcoming freshman girls (and boys), join something. If you are unsure about Greek life, just give it a try. Aside from all of the rumors and misinterpreted practices, Greek life is a great way to meet new people and get involved. It doesn’t have to be a fraternity or sorority, but getting involved in a club or any sort of organization will make your college experience 1000 times better.