[amanda6035]

I was a 22 year old college freshman who returned to school after serving in the military. When I started school there was only one sorority on campus, and I had no desire whatsoever to conform to someone else's rules and regulations after I just got out of the military. Not to say they didn't try, but I simply wasn't interested.

Fast forward to Spring semester, after my birthday, and Christmas break. First week back on campus, there were fliers everywhere for a new sorority colonizing. I had no idea what that meant, except that the fliers indicated that those who joined would have a big role in how it developed. I finally decided to go to an informational meeting just to see what it was all about... and long story short, I never looked back.

I'll tell you what they told me: They DO need some older members for colonies to balance out a bunch younger members. You wouldnt want a colony of ALL 18-19 year olds. Even a year or 2 makes a difference in your life experiences, leadership, and role model ability.

It was one of the best decisions I ever made. And I know for a fact that I wouldn't have had the opportunity anywhere else as a 23 year old salty sailor veteran. I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. Was it hard? Yeah. Was I envious of established chapters at larger schools who had more of the traditional sorority experience? You bet. But I still wouldn't trade it because every struggle and ever victory was worth it.