Each of us chose the school we felt was best for us. Whether you chose that school because your parents went there, or you chose it because nobody you knew went there, to you, that campus stood out from all the others. That school has become something like a home to you, and you can't imagine yourself anywhere else.
To those of you who joined Greek life at your university, you especially know what it's like to feel like you truly belong somewhere. You feel blessed to have found your place and your people on your campus, and all in one package.
Although you may not see yourself in that same sorority at another school, visiting your chapter elsewhere connects you to people around the country who share your same values. This organization may differ in qualities such as personalities within the chapter and rankings depending on which university you visit, but ultimately, you all came together for one purpose when you joined that sorority.
Since the beginning of this school year, I have visited three Tri Deltas in three different states besides mine. I did not initially visit those states for the purpose of visiting seemingly foreign sorority houses where I knew no one, but it occurred to me that I should take the opportunity as it presented itself. After feeling so welcomed on my first visit, I became hooked on this endless adventure to see every Tri Delta house I possibly could.
It's incredible how one national organization can be so different in an unfamiliar place. Pulling up to a house with your letters on it and not recognizing a single aspect is a strange feeling, but a surprisingly comforting one.
Taking advantage of these opportunities is worth your time because comparing and contrasting our chapters nationally can help us all improve each individual chapter's sisterhood. When I knocked on each door of the Tri Delta houses, the smiling faces on the other side reminded me why I became a part of an organization so wonderful. The women who gave me tours never failed to show their love and excitement for me as their sister, even though they had never even met me before.
This warm feeling made me happy that I will be a Tri Delta for the rest of my life. It makes me excited for my alumni days when I can visit my old home and be welcomed with open arms no matter which university I choose to see. Taking the time to explore my chapter at other universities reminded me just how lucky I am and connected me to more sisters I know I'll always have no matter what.