To My Sisters & Myself

Spring semester of Sophomore year at Clemson I went through a lot of personal issues and stopped doing many of the things that I once loved. I had a hard time finding ways to pursue my passions and felt small at a school with thousands of other people. I become really lost with myself and the things that made me happy, and while this caused me to miss out on a lot of the  sorority functions and events, I never really felt alone or left out. Whenever I would go to a meeting or event for Gamma Phi I would talk to different sisters and it would be like I didn’t miss anything at all. I could go without seeing them for a month but still feel at home the next time I went. There have been many times where I went to an event fearing being alone, but my friends would come up to me and talk to me and embrace me like the numerous times before. The support and acceptance that I have received within Gamma Phi have helped to create a comfortability within myself and in the person that I am today. Before I would be too shy or fearful to get involved and put myself out there, but thanks to Gamma Phi I am more confident in myself than ever. Not only do I know that I have a group of people at Clemson who really care about me and my success, but I know that they enjoy being around me and that I am an important part of the sorority – that I am liked and valued.
 
Gamma Phi has introduced me to so many individuals who inspire me to be a better self. I see my sisters traveling through countries around the world, working their dream jobs in different cities, and really living their best lives. I have become the type of person who now wants to get involved and share my ideas instead of remaining quiet with the fearing being rejected. I know that I will not be judged for who I am or for showing my real personality. The people in Gamma Phi have many individual differences, yet we form a group of people who genuinely enjoy being around each other. We do not need to pretend or to fit a certain mold to be loved. After joining Gamma Phi, I have become the type of person who isn’t afraid of being myself and I know that I do not need to act a certain way to be accepted. My sisters have showed me that our passions and talents are what make us unique. It took many years, but I finally feel confident in the person I am and want to showcase my unique traits. I credit a lot of that to my sisters and the healthy environment that Gamma Phi has created. 
 
To my big, Sara, and my grand-big, Autumn, thank you for helping me get more involved in the Clemson community and for bringing me into the most supportive family. To my little, Virginia, thank you for inspiring me with your kindness and adding more laughter to my life. To PC 18, thank you for introducing me to so many unique people and making life more interesting. And to Gamma Phi, thank you for always accepting me and helping build confidence within myself that will last a lifetime.

​-Maddie