Leaving home, your parents and your friends to start a new chapter of your life is something that can be scary to some. Doing something different, joining something different and being something different than what you have been used to is exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time.

College is the time to break out of your shell and explore all the new things going into the new chapter adulthood has to offer. Whether that be joining a club, intramural sport or Greek life, there is something different for everyone.

I was that person, who came out of high school and wanted to be different and do something different than what was expected of me. So, I joined a sorority. Now by this time you might be thinking, “Yikes, why would you join Greek life?” This is the exact question that went through my head after I decided to go through recruitment with my roommate. All hesitation aside, it was a great decision.

Greek life does not subscribe to the bad stereotypes that you see in movies or hear from your parents or neighbors down the hall. Being Greek is so much more. It is commitment, community service, being a part of something bigger than yourself, helping others, leadership and acceptance.

Going through recruitment was probably one of my most awkward experiences due to the fact that I am an awkward person and hate talking about myself. The chapter that I fell in love with was the very last one I had visited and did not picture myself in it at all. Through fate, I found out my childhood babysitter had joined the sorority I was interested in. She introduced me to all of the sisters and I learned so much information about sororities that I never knew.

By then I was thinking that Greek life was not bad at all and I could actually see myself doing something I had never planned on doing when I got to AU. Flash forward to present day and joining my sorority three years ago was a good freshman decision. Being involved in something that was practically centered around helping others is such a giving experience.

My philanthropy involves donating the necessities to live to those in rural Appalachia, inviting children of low income or less fortunate families to a summer camp and help those in need when it comes to living situations. Being involved in an organization that helps others is so rewarding and brings so much joy to me.

Throughout my entire Greek life experience, I have not only learned a lot about my chapter, Greek life as a whole and my sisters, but also about myself. Don’t get me wrong, I am still an awkward person but I am not as awkward. Having 60 girls around me has helped bring me out of my shell and be the outgoing person I am today.

Greek life is not just about the community service, academics, or helping others. It is about being comfortable around everyone and feeling accepted.

I have went through my fair share of difficult times and having the shoulders of all my sisters to lean, has by far been such a rewarding feeling. If it were not for the support of my sister’s, I would not be writing this article or even feature in the newspaper you are reading.

Never did I think that by joining Greek life I would gain future companions, my best friend, future bridesmaids, forever friends, and connections that will last a lifetime. The phrase “it’s not four years, it’s for life”, has some serious holding power when it comes to thinking of all the wonderful opportunities being involved has given me.

The future can be scary especially if you are trying to go out and do something different than what you are used to. My advice for you is whether you think it’s for you or not, just try it. It does not hurt to take a step in a different direction and see if the things you are scared of or not sure about, are actually the right move for you. If you find it is not for you but something else is, at least you can say you tried and take a step in a different direction.