Coming to college was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. Not one cell in my body wanted to pack up my life I worked so hard on building and relocate it into a tiny dorm building with communal bathrooms. I will never forget the lump in my throat and pit in my stomach while driving to school on move-in day. I was so angry that I had to leave the comfort of my family to now live at a university with 600+ strangers. Little did I know, I would be entering the biggest family I could have ever imagined.
Going out to Meet the Greeks was an obstacle in itself. I was so nervous at the thought of walking into a room of older girls and being stared at like fresh meat. But upon arriving into the rooms, I did not feel insecure or even out of place. I had to remind myself that they want me to come out, they want me to find my home, and they want to see what I'm made of -- so I'll show them.
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Recruitment was a blast, every organization treats the girls with enthusiasm and respect; partially because they remember what it was like as a freshman going through rotations. Along with that, I was lucky enough to meet girls in every organization that still say hello and wave in passing, purely because we had a good conversation in rotations no matter what letters I wear. And that is something that makes Greek Life at Fairleigh Dickinson so unique. Even among our small families, we are all one big one too.
My path led me to Theta Phi Alpha, a group of loyal, beautiful and ambitious ladies; ones who are true to themselves and others and never settle for anything but the best. I am sad to say that I did not have that notorious 'spark' when I walked into the TPA rooms, or any rooms for that matter. I was not drawn in on day one to this amazing organization I now call home. However, something in the back of my mind pulled me to them and for that, I will always be grateful.
In my new member process, I learned more about myself than I thought was possible. Between the late nights, sister bonding and stressful weeks I pushed myself to emotional and mental limits I never thought I could do. It showed me how to prioritize, how to organize and how to work as a team. The bond my Beta Delta sisters and I have is something indescribable. Any of the twenty-three in my class could come to one another for anything without question. Of course once being an active sister, new bonds are made but there is something special about that first bond of sisterhood.
Once being an active sister, I was able to really play a role in Theta Phi Alpha. I was able to run for positions, take my own little and actually understand the ins and outs of what it means to be a Theta Phi. Most people represent their organization at events, on letter days or when they get dressed up and want to take a family picture. What makes TPA the best organization is that we all carry our creed everyday and all day. We all know that by joining this organization we promise to always be guided by our compass, and to follow that direction with loyalty, faith and wisdom. As long as we live honestly and justly, our hearts will never go wrong.
I did not fall in love with my sorority fast; I fell in love slowly and surely, then all at once. With a greater understanding of our history and fundamentals came a fonder love and appreciation for the values and ambition of the ladies that I call sisters. Across age, major, interests, looks and dreams we all have something in common; a love and respect for Theta Phi Alpha. Individually we could not be more different, but together we create a stunning mosaic piece.
Theta Phi Alpha at Fairleigh Dickinson is known to be a leading organization in scholarly accomplishments, campus involvement, and charismatic dynamic. A higher GPA is required to become a sister, which set a standard for me personally. It showed that academics, above all, are what matters most. Are we paying thousands of dollars to do keg stands and get 300 likes on Instagram? No, we are here to get an education, learn about the world and most importantly how to create a positive light in society. Theta Phi Alpha has kept me on that path to greatness, always reminding me of my dreams and goals and how to achieve them.
On every corner of FDU's campus I guarantee that you will find Theta Phi. Sports teams, majors, intramural, clubs, FPC, SGA, Greek Senate, Resident Assistant, Orientation Leaders and much more. We are so involved in every part of the campus and that gives us areas to represent and share our sisterhood. Working together with the community for fundraisers, events and awareness is just some of the perks that comes with having high-reaching sisters.
The bonds I found within this organization are ones I will cherish for the rest of my life. The sisters that have touched my heart in specific have really defined the quote for me, "Home is not a place, it's a heartbeat".
My GFam, you have all been my fairy tale endings. Thank you for always being the place to go to when I need a breath of fresh air. You all are so great and I could not have asked for a more supportive (and more hysterical) GFam.
My family of course, consisting of my Bigbig, Big and Little have been the biggest support system I could have asked for. Regardless of how I see myself, they always seem to believe in me more than I believe in myself. Between taco nights, Netflix, wine, and study dates I found my best friends. The love and appreciation we all have for each other is one of a kind and I was blessed to have been given family like them.
My Mob Girls, consisting of eight individuals who brought out a spunk in me I did not know I had. There is never a dull moment with them, whether we are crying over finals, being psychos in the Monninger study rooms, watching scary movies, ordering Chinese or stumbling down to Park Ave in heels. I never thought I needed more sisters until I met you guys and knew I was missing a part of me. Thank you for making me fall in love with Theta Phi Alpha, always challenging me to be a better version of myself, and loving me unconditionally. I love you guys with all the fishbowls and Eskimo kisses in the world.
My Suitey Sistas, you will always be my home. Nothing means more to me than coming home after a long day and falling into your arms (or bed without you even being there). The support and patience we have for one another has brought us from Florence, to the Village and now across the Atlantic to England. I wouldn't be the person I am without all your love and guidance. Thank you for being my favorite good morning and my hardest goodnight.
To all the other sisters that have shaped my heart in one way or another, thank you. Thank you for all being my role models, for expecting only the best out of me and being my sunshine on rainy days. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have 80 sisters who love me and want to see me succeed. And that is what makes Theta Phi Alpha the best organization in the world; the ability to truly and genuinely care for one another. No other organization will you find the whole chapter committed to building one beautiful home for everyone to thrive in.
And so to any person interested in Greek Life, follow your heart. That little voice in your head will lead you home. Do not look at parties, outfits and social media; look at personalities, values, morals and dreams. Look at the things that will remain important long after college ends. Look for the girls that will be at your wedding, your baby showers and your retirement parties. Look for the women you want to be beside you and cheer you on as you accomplish all your dreams.
