my second family

I came into college as an only child of two immigrant parents. With no siblings, and no family from the states, I started off knowing very little about greek life. Little did I know that over the next four years I would find myself with more friends, more sisters, and more family than I could ever imagine possible. I met my best friend and future roommate on bidday. I have travelled to 6 different states with my sisters. Yet, the greatest thing Gamma Phi ever gave me was my family. 

To my big, Erin, thanks for showing me the ropes. For teaching me about college, about Clemson, and about life. Thanks for being there for me and being a guiding light. Thanks for being my person, for picking me as your little, and picking me for life. I can’t wait to one day stand beside you on your wedding day :) I’ll love you always. So proud of you for everything you’ve become. Keep killing law school!

To my little, Bri, thanks for being my opposite. Thanks for reminding me life isn’t always about the cold hard facts, sometimes it’s good to just relax and be creative. I’ll never be nearly as talented as you, but you always inspire and amaze me. You are such a hard worker, and I’m so excited to see everything you do when you graduate :) Love you endlessly. I look at the canvas you painted me daily and it always makes me smile and think of all our memories together. 

To my glil, Liz, thanks for being my twin. Thanks for being just as outgoing and crazy as me. Thanks for being from the north so you understand me and thanks for transferring. Life wouldn’t be the same without you. I’m so glad you ended up at Clemson and more importantly that you ended up in the family. I cannot think of a better fit. I will be back in Boston ASAP for more cannolis. Go live up senior year in my honor :) love you tons. 

To my gglil, Cait, thanks for being a balance. Thanks for being just as down to go out as you are to have a night in. Thanks for being a wonderful example of how to handle school and a social life. Thanks for deciding to rush and rounding out this family (at least for my time here at Clemson). Thanks for loving dance as much as I do and always being the most fun at karaoke. It was nice to have a science major around again. Made me feel less crazy about my classes. I’ll always love ya for that.  

To all my future family members, thanks for keeping this family going. You’ve joined one of the best family lines in Gamma Phi and though I might be biased, it’s still true. These girls are some of the most supportive, loving, caring, intelligent, strong, fun people you’ll ever meet. Treasure your time with them. Make time for fam dinner, check in with each other, and know that one day you’ll look back and realize the best gift Gamma Phi gave you wasn’t your functions, but your family.  

I’ll be back soon to see/meet you all, but for now just know I love you all. Thank you for all the memories we’ve made together. I can’t wait to sit down and eat mexican again and laugh with us all at one table. I no longer feel like an only child, I have an ever growing family that I am ever grateful and ever loyal to. I am so proud to have been a part of this and I hope you all are too. 

-Love the (current) matriarch of the this family, Lauren