Proud to Be Greek Wednesdays - July 11th, 2018

The lifelong bonds you form, the communities you serve, and the invaluable lessons you learn are all part of an unforgettable Greek organization experience. Joining a brotherhood or sisterhood is an honor and a privilege, and with it comes social awareness and responsibility. Each week we are going to be featuring an essay written by a fraternity/sorority member to highlight how Greek life has had a positive impact. Appreciating the Opportunity In the Spring of 2016, I ran home to Sigma Kappa, Delta Nu and my life has not been the same since. Throughout the weekend of recruitment, I was hesitant, afraid, and nervous. I was not sure if I was meant for Greek life. I did not fit into the stereotypical image that I had previously associated with Greeks. At the time I was not outgoing, I kept to myself because I believed that I was not good enough to be cared about by others. I did not have a voice and I did not value my own ideas. Sigma Kappa completely changed all of this for me. It took me a while to open up to the other girls in my New Member class, it wasn’t until the end of the 2016 Fall semester that I truly felt like I found my home. As a student at Longwood University and a member of the Greek community, so many doors have been presented to me. But Sigma Kappa has taught me to open those doors myself. Sigma Kappa has led me to Indianapolis in the Summer of 2016 for the Undergraduate Interfraternal Institute, to the Greek Emerging Leaders Experience at my home university, Longwood University, to the Regional Leadership Conference for Sigma Kappa, to the Coalition of Collegiate Women’s Leadership in Spring 2017, and finally to Ireland. Sigma Kappa helped me build my confidence to study abroad by myself. Not only has Sigma Kappa helped me appreciate every opportunity presented, it has also taught me more about myself. Joining the Greek community helped me realize what I value in my life. Everyone has always had values, but I never truly thought about what my values were until I joined a Greek organization. Personal growth, service, loyalty, and friendship are four values that I try to live by each day. These are the four values of Sigma Kappa and they mean more to mean than I ever thought four phrases would. Growing up, I was always afraid of being myself because I believed that no one would accept me. When I met the girls of Delta Nu, I knew I could be myself. I can walk into a room wearing sweat pants with my hair in a greasy bun without feeling judged. Sigma Kappa has taught me to have the confidence to be myself. Although I am one of the few people with these interests, my friends accept that I love Disney, cars, heavy metal music, country music, and superheroes. They accept and love me for who I am. Sigma Kappa has shown me that difference do not matter. Sigma Kappa has taught me to look beyond the surface. Sigma Kappa has taught be myself without fear of judgement. Sigma Kappa has taught me strength. Sigma Kappa has taught be courage. Sigma Kappa has given me a home where I would never expect to find. I never thought that I would owe so much to sorority and forty-some girls. I would never expect that accepting a bid would change my life forever.