As my official last first day of school has come and gone, I can't help but think about last four years. When I went in to my first year of college I was absolutely dreading it. I had no clue what I wanted to major in, let alone what kind of career I was looking to pursue. I wanted nothing to do with school and fought those first two years to get through my associates.

In Fall of 2015 I transferred to the University of Massachusetts Lowell after having my dream of going to school down in Florida crushed.I finally decided to major in English with a concentration in creative writing. I commuted that first semester and found myself stuck in the same cycle I had been in the two years previous. I was showing up for class, sitting alone during my break (nose stuck in a book) and then heading home when I was done for the day. I couldn't help but feel like I was missing out. I couldn't imagine doing the same thing over and over until graduation, there was no way. (Now I am not hating on the commuter lifestyle, I am just not the kind of person who puts herself out there)

Over winter break however I was given an amazing opportunity. A friend of mine's roommate was moving out and they needed someone to fill the spot. I jumped at the chance immediately. I was ecstatic for this opportunity to live at school, make friends, and get the college experience you hear so many people rave about.

This choice brought me the freedom of moving out, allowing myself to somewhat survive on my own away from my parents for the first time. It gave me access to so many on campus perks that you don't see as a commuter. However, nothing could have prepared me for this choice to bring me Alpha Sigma Tau.

Joining this sisterhood will be my greatest accomplishment of college. This organization has given me countless opportunities, including the position to change others lives for the better through our constant philanthropy efforts. I have unbelievable memories that I will hold on to long after the dust has settled on my graduation cap. The friendships this sisterhood has brought me are ones that I know will truly withstand the test of time. I can't imagine my life now without AST. I will forever be grateful to the girls who roped me in, encouraged me to rush, and accepted me for exactly who I was. There are truly no words that I could say that would truly show how thankful I am to have become your sister, it is something that I will treasure always.

With the single choice to move in to a college dorm room I can say, with one hundred percent certainty, I altered the course of my life forever.