Alpha Phi
(ΑΦ)
When I became a “fan” of Penn State Panhellenic Formal Sorority Recruitment 2009 on Facebook, I didn’t know it would be one of the influences that helped to develop my life at college as I know it now. I didn’t even know how to go about defining the word “Panhellenic”, nor did I have a realistic image of sorority rush in my mind, aside from what I’ve seen in movies.
Now, as my first summer home from college comes to a close, I reflect on that nail-biting week and a half last September and contemplate what it will be like on the other side of recruitment; always smiling and telling ear-pleasing stories to intrigued and anxious potential new members. But I realized that I don’t have to fabricate a story to impress the girls I will be talking to - I’ll just tell them the truth.
While on the 3.5-hour journey from my home in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia to a college with one of the largest student populations in the U.S., one of the biggest cause of the butterflies in my stomach was my concern of making a core group of friends. One of my best friends since elementary school was also going to Penn State; however, I wanted to retain our friendship and also branch off into new friendships. It was overwhelming to think that I was about to enter a place with such a variety of people and that I was essentially starting from scratch all over again. But in the back of my mind, I always knew that I wanted to “Go Greek.” Seeing pictures and hearing stories and advice from acquaintances already in sororities helped to sway my decision. It seemed like the most effortless way to find a niche and meet new people. And on September 17, 2009, I found my niche with Alpha Phi.
I never knew there could be so many genuine, sweet, beautiful and intelligent girls all in one place. I instantly clicked with the girls that I met on Bid Day and was excited to start a new chapter in my life. I have only one brother, but being in Alpha Phi depicts the meaning of sisterhood to me. I have many close friends from home, but this is different. We all went through recruitment and share so many similar qualities with each other. We live together and have grown to become best friends. I’ve learned the importance of not only keeping an open mind to a friend in need, but also an open closet. I love the comfort level we all share with each other whether it comes to crying to someone about a problem or walking into someone’s dorm asking to borrow a dress. It’s so refreshing to know that I have a whole sorority of friends that will always have my back.
Not only was the social aspect a benefit of joining Alpha Phi, but I’ve also learned how to become philanthropical and contribute to great causes. Between our philanthropy events and the indescribable amazement that came from THON, I feel as though I’m maturing in an intangibly mental way. Being in Alpha Phi always keeps me socially, charitably, and responsibly busy, with someone to laugh with and share it all with. It’s perfectly appropriate that the Alpha Phi flower is the forget-me-not, because no matter how many years pass or how far apart I am from these girls later in life, I will never forget the experiences and memories we’ve shared together, as a sisterhood, that began on September 17, 2009.
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