With fall recruitment right around the corner, I can't help but remember what a whirlwind of emotions my own rush experience consisted of. But through it all, Delta Phi Epsilon was my calm in the middle of the storm. Not only for that week, but every day after that, too. That’s one reason that helped me figure out that DPhiE was perfect for me, now here are a few more.

Companionship

I consider myself a pretty independent individual, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t scared to death before I began my Freshman year in a new city. That was actually a big motivator for me to rush; I wanted to find a group of girls that I could lean on in the tough times of transitioning from college rookie to college pro. Thankfully, I found all of that and so much more in DPhiE and I know I will never have to feel alone with my sisters by my side.

Diversity

Greek organizations are tied together by most of the same things -- philanthropy work, common values, and providing a life long support system for each of its members. The difference with DPhiE is that we are one of the first non-sectarian PanHellenic sororities, which means we don’t discriminate girls on their race, ethnicity, size, or religious beliefs (or lack thereof). As you can imagine, this makes for a group of girls from all different backgrounds; I never feel as though I’m one in the same. My sisters are all different in their own beautiful, unique ways, which is pretty awesome if you ask me.

Challenges

We love to tell people our motto, "Esse Quam Videri," because it speaks for itself. It means “To Be, Rather Than to Seem to Be,” because our sisterhood wants to challenge each of its members to be their best and truest self, rather than to try and be somebody else. I knew from my very first day of recruitment that these ladies lived this motto to the fullest and I’m proud to say that, now, I do too.

Service

Delta Phi Epsilon supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and ANAD, and before I joined, I had no idea what either of those meant. Basically, cystic fibrosis is an inherited life threatening disorder that damages the lungs and digestive system, and there is currently no cure. Through a number of different fundraising activities, DPhiE chapters across the nation hope to raise enough money to find that cure. These chapters also raise awareness for ANAD (anorexia nervosa and associated disorders) by promoting physical and mental well being for girls andguys across their campuses. My sisters have the biggest hearts out of anyone I know, and that is shown through their service to these two amazing philanthropies.

Memories

Although I’m only an upcoming sophomore, I look back on my freshman year, and so many of my best memories were spent with sisters. Whether it was playing “Cards Against Humanity” before getting ready for formal, or pretending not to cry when watching "The Fault in Our Stars," I couldn’t have survived my first year away from home without them, which makes me all the more thankful that I became a part of such an amazing sisterhood.

Delta Phi Epsilon is perfect for me. Who knows? It might just be perfect for you, too.