How can a sorority benefit me? What can Alpha Omicron Pi offer me? Those were just a few of the questions in my mind when I went through recruitment and narrowed down which organization I wanted to call home. I had already decided to go Greek because of the social aspect but little did I know, there is much more to it. The fabricated stereotypes are exactly that, untrue and unjustified. There is so much more to Greek life than what meets the eye. Thankfully, I am able to share what AOII has done for me and it’s only my first year!
AOII has taught me so much in such a small amount of time. The first and most important of those things is how to handle my studies while being involved on campus, too. From asking what professor is nicest to checking other’s homework for correctness, if I am ever stressed because of academics I can always count on a sister to help. Accountability was on the top of my list for what I needed to gain from my organization. It never fails for me to find a seat next to a sister at the library (who doesn’t love having someone to study with??) and making it a lot more fun. As hard as it can be to stay on top of your studies and have a social life, AOII and my sisters have made sure to teach me to keep my academics first. My organization has proven that it is not a distraction but rather an assistant to help me reach my full potential in academics. The motivation to study by study hours or study groups might be lacking had I not joined AOII.
The organization is not just a group of girls that get together and have fun; in fact, it is much more than that. AOII is family and a home-away-from-home. Independent was my middle name, so I had very little concern about moving away from home until I realized that I would have no one to lean on, call on, or be loved by like my mom and dad. This is when moving away became scary; as independent as I am, no one likes doing life alone. Having all of my sisters to do just about anything I can think of makes life a whole lot more enjoyable. Although I haven’t gotten there yet, the cliché saying, “it’s not just four years, it’s for life” has been proven to me by the many alumna that return and support active members. Nothing screamed love and family more than the support we had from many chapters across the country and alumnae chapters when our campus was destroyed by a tornado which displaced many of my sisters. I am thrilled to say that I am a part of this family and that the love and support won’t end in four short years.
Overall, AOII can teach you how to become the person you’ve always admired or the person you’ve always wanted to be. It can show you love and support on a daily basis and impact your life for the better. Wearing the letter AOII across my chest and having the sticker on the back of my car is one of my greatest honors because I know what significance this organization holds in my heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Renfro
Celebrity Crush: Justin Beiber
Favorite Breakfast Food: Waffles
Favorite Netflix Binge: Riverdale
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