It's all greek to me.

I cannot believe my freshman year of college is over. Standing in my best friends dorm (that's you Audrey & Caroline) as we packed the last few things up and took them to her car, I felt like I had no idea where the time had gone. Her walls were bare, just a few little things here and there. It felt all too familiar, just like when we first arrived at college, so eager to get started and have our parents gone. But I couldn't get it through my head that we were leaving, not just getting here. We were done, not just getting started. I still can't really grasp it. All of the things that girls in each sorority bragged about during rush week have already passed. I had no idea what was coming for me when I opened my bid. I thought I did, but I had no idea. We went to the pledge mixers- I really have no comment for that. We had our pledge retreat- where I shared a bed with a complete stranger who I now call my best friend (that's you again odge). We got our bigs and grandbigs and twins, and exchanged paddles and arrows and study boards we worked on for days. We sported pins on gameday and rolled Toomers corner after every win- we kept the Auburn tradition alive and well despite attempts from others to tear that down. We went through  initiation and painted the chairs we would sit on every Monday night for chapter with angel wings, halos, and our initials. We won Greek Week, and supported my beautiful twin as she so flawlessly represented us in the pageant with poise and grace (still so proud of you, Kristen). We went to the haunted farm for Halloween- and I ripped my favorite jeans running from a man with a chainsaw (again. thanks for witnessing that, Audrey). We had our tacky Christmas party. We ordered a thousand tshirts, and yes we needed all of them. We had our themed socials and went all out, every time. We spent countless nights crafting, watching movies, getting thirds on Momma G's nachos (I'm lookin at you, Rhyan). We won Derby Days. We had a candlelight and got teary eyed as the new bride to be showed her engagement ring (thanks for laughing at me Katelin). We got dolled up for formal and took the traditional Samford lawn pictures that will forever be framed in my house and someday my nursing home (y'all better visit me, I'll still be fun). We spent tonight, our last night in Auburn, crowded around the same table at Acapulco's that we usually sat at pretty much weekly, starting back when we had all just gotten close, and now look where we are. With tears and laughter we said our goodbyes in the parking lot (Caroline, Audrey, Sara, Emily, Hannah, Rhyan, and Lindsey, thanks for letting me be the center of the group hug. I'll never forget it). This was arguably, by many people I know, supposed to be the best year of my life and it's already done.

 Before joining a sorority, I viewed people who were Greek as being all the same. And for the most part, we are. Just like any other organization, from hobby to academic clubs, we share interests, priorities, and goals. But each one of my sisters and friends, greek or not, have brought into my life so many new things, each leaving a special little part of themselves with me, and taking in turn a special part of me with them. Or I hope at least. I never knew that I could love people so equally but differently all at the same time, and what a great blessing that has been. I never thought that being greek would bring me anything more than a social status and something to do on the weekends. But now that I've gotten to be on the other side, I see that that's the farthest thing from what being greek is about. For me it was never ever about the frat parties, beer, and being catty, drama filled girls like so many are led to believe. It was never about bragging rights (but it doesn't hurt that we have them) or feeling like you're better than anybody else or striving for perfection. It has all been so far from superficial. Truthfully, it's been about realizing that you're NOT better than anyone else. That you're accepted with imperfections and you're not asked to change them. It's been about knowing that no matter what it is you want to do, you're going to be supported and loved and encouraged. It's been about conducting yourself in a way that reflects class and nothing but positive things on not only yourself, but all of your sisters. Knowing who you are, and who you want to be, and that you're not alone for the journey. About trying to get good grades and spirit points because the excitement that comes from exec board when they say they are proud is priceless (Katie and Megan, y'all are precious and the best we could ever ask for).  Now on a different note... It's also been about discovering that there is not enough queso in the world to satisfy a Pi Phi (Rhyan and Lindsey, does this ring a bell?). That you're cared enough about for your sisters to tell you that you really do need to go fix your hair (I'd mention someone specific, but I think I'd reach a character limit, but mostly a big thank you goes to Kristen for teaching me your ways). That there really are some people out there who love a good cheesy outdoor picture as much as me (Emily Horner, I love that you love them.) That you must never, ever underestimate the power of a good FroYo date (ahem, Sara Wakefield). And that it's really okay to laugh so hard you embarrass everyone within a one mile radius. And that its so surprising how much better you'll feel after a few seconds in the parking lot. (You can go ahead and claim those last two odge).  The list goes on, but the more I remember the more I realize it isn't something you can understand from the outside looking in, so I am so thankful I got to share all of this with each of you.
I can't believe that it's all over. I have so many mixed emotions about leaving this chapter of my life, but I know that God is sovereign and He has such a perfect plan for me. (And that Skype exists.) I'm just grateful I got to share a year of these amazing memories with y'all. Even if it did go by way too fast.
So for the time being, let this be my thank you to everyone who has been a part of this year, whether or not you're my sister. I'll thank y'all later, individually. You know who you are. And you're all so priceless to me. I couldn't be more grateful.