A Letter To Gamma Phi

​Dear Gamma Phi,
 
I never really understood the point of a sorority until I joined yours. Coming in as a freshman, I only went through recruitment with the intent of making a few friends to get me started at a new school. It was just a way of making a big school feel smaller. But what I’ve gotten out of it has been so much more than that. I have such a big appreciation for all of the little things that come with being in a sisterhood. From bid day where I met my one-of-a-kind bid day buddy to big/little reveal where I got the big sister I always wished for. From visiting the hall to make waffles and watch The Bachelor with my favorite “college moms,” all the way to recruitment this year where I became best friends with my future roommates, it’s the little moments like those that have made Gamma Phi the highlight of my college experience. 
 
Each and every one of you have played such a crucial role in shaping me into the woman I am. Never once have I felt the need to hide any part of myself or become something that I’m not. I have been praised for my strengths and embraced for my flaws. And that is exactly what a sorority should be. It’s not about the cute pictures in our letters or the fun mixers and functions. Being in a sorority is about forming relationships with women who are in your life to help you grow and grow along with you. They understand me in a way that nobody else will because they’re the reason that I am the way I am. Thank you for supporting me through everything and thank you for constantly giving me a purpose and making me feel like a small part of something much bigger. Y’all make life so beautiful and wayyy more fun! :) 
 
Never in a million years did I think I was going to be the girl who was so “gung-ho” for her sorority, but every single day I walk around with the pride of being a member of the Epsilon Theta chapter of Gamma Phi Beta and I know that there is no better group of girls to call my best friends and sisters. Thank you for making me laugh when I’ve had a rough day. Thank you for inviting me over for dinner when I was sick of eating dining hall food. Thank you for listening to my never-ending stories about absolutely nothing and letting me complain even when I really have nothing to complain about. And thank you for so much more that you all have done for me and the millions of things I know you will continue to do for me. No amount of thank you’s will ever be enough because you can never understand how much being a part of Gamma Phi and its undeniable sisterhood has done for me. I feel so blessed to call Gamma Phi my home away from home.
 
Love,
Mary B <3

Written by: Mary Bauwens, PC '18