Being in a sorority is more than getting t-shirts and having socials with the fraternities on campus...sorry to say that but it is completely true. My experience thus far has been simply incredible and eye opening. I have met so many sophisticated co-eds that share the same values that I do as well as memories to last a lifetime. But often I get the question of, "I feel that I don't belong anymore, should I quit and/or drop my letters." When people confide to me about this I often think to myself, "would I be any different if I wasn't in a sorority?" So when looking back on my last two years, I believe it has made me stronger and more confident in myself. Being in a sorority has taught me to appreciate and respect individuals of different thoughts and ideas. So when you look back on your memories from bid day to big/little reveal and/or your #tbt photos on Instagram. Just imagine what would you do without your sorority.

I know for my own sorority I have a lot of plans that I would like to put in motion. I plan to run for president and bring some wanted changes from the collegians as well as our advisors. I recently went to Alpha Sigma Tau's National convention and it sparked something in me that I wouldn't normally think of on a normal daily basis. This convention was four long days, but I learned so much for such a little amount of time. From meeting the National President and getting to know her on a deeper level, to getting insight from advisors, and talking to my peers, I have found something for me to say let's embrace change, let's be different, and let us be unique. One quote that I took away from my convention is; "Being in a sorority is a privilege, but being in Alpha Sigma Tau is an honor."

When hearing this quote, I realized that I may have taken my sorority for granted. I was distraught and confused as to why I was thinking this. I felt some kind of disgust and uncertainty for this feeling. I realized that life is short and being in an organization is more than just for four years, it's for life.

And then I realized that I knew that I wanted to change.

This change required me to think more than outside the box. I knew this wouldn't take a day or a week. But this changed needed to happen within the next couple of months because I have great plans for my sorority.

I have found more appreciation for my sorority's rituals, alumnae, as well Alpha Sigma Tau's values. Knowing this in mind, I challenge you all to sit back and think. Just think about all that you've experienced so far in your career with your own sorority and how would you do anything differently. So look further and deeper than receiving the t-shirts and all the recruitments as well as chapter meetings...look into the meaning of your sorority's ritual, your creed, and last but not least as well as what it really means to be in your sorority.

After that, all I have to say is "from the outside looking in, you can never understand it. From the inside looking out, you can never explain it."

T.L.A.M.

(When I am with you, there is no place I'd rather be).