My Experience with Sisterhood

"If sororities are associated with paying for friends, then I'm not paying enough money."

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I had always envied sorority girls, especially as a high schooler. Through social media, I watched them - familiar friends and complete strangers - wear their letters, throw their signs, and appear almost unrealistically happy together. I was skeptical of their bond, but nevertheless, I wanted to experience the unity that such women appeared to have together.

As a freshman at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, I signed up for formal sorority recruitment with the desire to be liked by someone - anyone! I was the picture of insecurity and was all-too-willing to join any group that saw any inkling of value in me. Though it was when I was with the women of Alpha Delta Pi that I felt like my most authentic and honest self, I was alarmingly close to choosing another house as my home.

Alpha Delta Pi adamantly promoted individuality and celebrated diversity, which took Freshman Jordan aback. It sounds twisted, but I wanted to join a sorority that would mold me into someone more put-together than I was; Alpha Delta Pi didn't seem to want to, nor were they willing to, do this. While I found such ideals and values refreshing and intriguing, I was resistant to these feelings. On the final day of recruitment, my Alpha Delta Pi now-sister and forever-idol, Nya, told me that she saw me as an asset as I was but was excited by the Alpha Delta Pi woman I could grow to be. I knew I wanted to surround myself with women who saw me in this light.

And boy, did I find such women in abundance! In my two years as a member of the Delta Phi chapter of Alpha Delta Pi at UMKC, I have, in some way, benefitted from my sisterhood with each and every woman. Each member finds her close friendships within the large group, but the widespread atmosphere of acceptance and support is unlike anything I have experienced before. Each woman - regardless of her age, major, schedule, or background - fully acknowledges her role as an available support system for her sisters and is quick to serve in this way. This is truly a testament to our common values as human beings and our willingness to help each other succeed.

College is a trying time of life, and I can't count the number of times that the women of Alpha Delta Pi have picked me up when I couldn't do it myself. They have seen me in my worst mental health states; in response, they inspired me to pursue better for myself and have supported me so adamantly that I have never returned to such a dark place. They have held my hand through the roughest of break-ups and offered me laughs and an abundance of love to fill the gap in my heart; little do they know, they caused that hole to overflow. When medical school becomes too much to bear, they offer me words of encouragement and their moral support, selflessly putting their personal worries on the back burner. Their presence - whether it be during good times or bad - makes my life so much better.

At this point, I hope you can see how much this sorority means to me. Joining Alpha Delta Pi was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Up until this point, I have spoken largely of our group dynamic, but our cohesiveness as a chapter would not exist without each individual contributor. I see such value in each of our members, and I hope that the "love letters" below will serve as necessary encouragement and recognition for each woman that I am lucky enough to call my sister. I absolutely do not spend enough time privately or publicly acknowledging the impact that each woman has on me each day.

The values and priorities of this organization, established in 1851, keep me on the right track each day. The sisters I am lucky enough to call my own inspire me to remain grounded and true to myself. Alpha Delta Pi, thank you for showing me - a girl biologically sandwiched between two brothers - how sweet sisterhood can be.

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Abby Murphy, you are single-handedly one of the most disciplined people I have ever met. I see your drive to succeed in any activity you do - whether it be school or triathlons - and it serves as external motivation for me to push myself to be better. Your hard work will always be sufficient for success - remember that!

Alli Griffit, you have the unique ability to form strong, meaningful friendships while simultaneously promoting inclusivity amongst a larger group. I have seen you be a dedicated and eager sister to all of our sisters over the course of the past year, and I thank you for setting this example that we can all follow more diligently. I am excited to get to know you better and continue growing in this sisterhood with you!

Anna Baumstark, you have always been someone that, regardless of how long it's been since we've seen each other because of our crazy schedules, it's like we pick right up where we left off. I am so proud of all the big things that are doing in your life, because I witness all the time and effort you put into accomplishing your goals. You are amazing, and I am so proud of you.

Anna Hwang - my recycling-obsessed, slightly melodramatic, ever-dependable best friend. I am so thankful that you and I have gotten as close as we have; it makes it even more exciting to me that you can't escape me for four years. I admire you in every way and love you beyond measure.

Bailey Harris, though I haven't been able to get to know you as well as I would have liked to, I want you to know how impressed I have been with your kindness and positive energy every time I have seen you. You always come to Alpha Delta Pi ready to interact and exemplify sisterhood to the women around you. Whatever life throws at you, know that I am always on your team and all-too-eager to support you in any way I can.

Bethany Smith, I am so excited by our friendship that is absolutely blooming. I am in awe of all that you have accomplished thus far, and I cannot wait to fill your time in nursing school with far too many pre-game dance parties, vanilla birthday cakes, and laughs. You are so loved!

Bree Schrable, you manage to be equal parts "sweet" and "fierce." You always display a willingness to step up as a friend and as a sister. You are going to be such an impressive nurse; your patients will adore you almost as much as your sorority sisters do.

Briar Butner, you are one of the kindest souls I have ever met, and I consider myself so lucky to receive your friendship. You are wise and supportive, and conversations with you always manage to bring me happiness and peace. Thank you for the warmth you bring to the world.

Brooke Bradley, my little firecracker. You and I could not be more different, but nonetheless, friendship with you comes so easily. I admire your ability to speak your mind and take charge, and I know you complete every action with the purest heart. You bring such brightness to my life, so needless to say, I'm so excited for years and years of impromptu Sonic dates with you.

Caroline Ramsey, I knew you would be my daughter from the second you became my mentee and I convinced you to go through recruitment. I love how you support the women around you, as it is such a rare priority to hold in this world. You are bubbly, honest, and abundantly compassionate and I am so grateful that I, our sisters, and your future patients get to benefit from these traits of yours.

Emily Keehn, I don't think I have ever seen you without a smile on your face. In a time of life that is often associated with stress and sadness, you always manage to spread happiness. The world needs more people like you, but I'm selfishly very grateful that you were planted in Kansas City at this moment in time to spread your joy with this chapter.

Flora Ravin, you are my go-to girl when I need an enthusiastic conversation that makes me feel rejuvenated. You are quick to laugh and are so sincere - with every single person you interact with! I get really happy whenever you text me for school advice; please do it for the next five years of your life.

Gracie Wrinkle, how do I even begin to describe the artistic, uplifting, and kind-hearted human being that you are? You are exactly the type of woman that I joined Alpha Delta Pi to meet. You demonstrate your authentic self to everyone you meet, and this has such a contagious positive downstream effect. I can't wait to see the impact that you will have on this world.

Hannah Pfneisel, the literal dictionary definition of a ray of sunshine! You take such an active interest in those around you, regardless of how different they may be from you. You are an uplifting and supportive sister to all sisters; Alpha Delta Pi is so lucky to have you, just as I am so happy to know you.

Helen Wilmes, whenever I need a naturally uplifting presence, I know I could turn to you and immediately feel weight come off my shoulders. Your sense of humor is representative of your cleverness, and I'm so appreciative for the laughs that you (and your Twitter feed) bring to my world.

Jacinda Xiong, every time I see you at an event, my appreciation for your quiet, sweet, thoughtful demeanor is renewed. You are artistic and adventurous, compassionate and considerate. You are completely unique, and I consider myself very lucky to know you.

Jewel Fivecoat, you fit into our chapter so effortlessly that I can't believe you weren't here originally. I love seeing you at events, because I know you will always offer me a smile and words of kindness. I can't express how much I love having you as my sister and am so excited to spend more time with your wonderful self this year!

Katelyn Patterson, I cannot begin to explain all that you have done for me over the past two years. You are the most dedicated friend, the brightest person, the most passionate leader, and the most determined student. You make everyone around you better and happier, always. I love you and can't wait to raise my daughter(s) to be even half the woman that you are.

Kathryn Rechenberg, you are the epitome of leading by example, which is so powerful and extends far beyond whatever position you held in our chapter. You exude grace and poise and treat others with such respect and courtesy; I absolutely aim to be more like you.

Kayla Looney, I have always admired your laid-back attitude, but I never truly appreciated how special you are until I had the chance to grow closer to you during Spirit Week and Recruitment. You manage to be easy-going and intensely fiery at the same time, and it is so uniquely Kayla. You were such a great addition to our chapter, and I can't wait to continue getting to know you better.

Lauren Davidson, you are the life of every party. When you walk into a room, the people in it light up because they are excited to soak in your presence. Thank you for inspiring me with your spunk and exuberance each time I'm around you.

Leah Israel, you will forever and always be the reason I joined Alpha Delta Pi, but also the reason I stayed. You display a friendship to me that I do not deserve. Thank you for always making me laugh, giving me advice, and inspiring me to live more fearlessly. I truly believe that God gave me a friend for life in you; I love you.

Madi Brandes, I firmly believe that you make our sisterhood stronger by always speaking your mind and, thus, inspiring others to do the same. You make everyone around you feel at ease because you manage to make them smile, effortlessly. I'm excited every time I see you because I know I'm going to have a good time.

Madie Waite, you are undoubtedly one of the coolest people I know. You somehow manage to be incredibly well-rounded while still jumping into Alpha Delta Pi with both feet - I will always remember doing the Courtwarming dance together. I feel like I learn something neat and new about you every time we talk, and I can't wait to continue building our friendship.

Maggie Mannebach, why did you move to Ireland just when I was beginning to fully appreciate how much better my life was with your friendship? You are quietly funny, wise beyond your years, and so openly loving to every soul with whom you come into contact. Drink an abundance of foreign beer for me, and then hurry back to the States so I can drink them with you.

Maggie Hulen, I truly won the Diamond Sister lottery when it comes to you. You carry yourself with such confidence and are never afraid to speak your mind or defend yourself / your loved ones; thank you for inspiring me to do the same. I love that we get to do this medical school journey together. It can be cruel and challenging, but I'm grateful that we turn to each other to get through it.

Megan Kelly - the face of sass and spunk. You have a personality unlike anyone I have ever met, and it brings such spontaneity and light-hearted energy to my life and to our chapter. You are going big places, girl, and I'm so excited to see it all!

Meredith Meyer, being on the Executive Board with you has been one of the best experiences I've had as an Alpha Delta Pi member. You always strike me with your thoughtful comments and sunny disposition. It is such a pleasure to be around you, Meredith, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you.

Olivia Weaver, my sweet Liv. You are beautifully blunt and absolutely devoted to the activities and people that you care about. Your effervescent personality brightens my day each time I'm around you; you truly fill my life with such joy. I am okay with being stuck in Kansas City for four more years because I know they will be filled with good times with you.

Payton Waynick, I hope you see the strength in yourself that I see in you. I have seen you face numerous setbacks with a determination to rise up and make progress in the right direction. Never doubt how loved and supported you are. You deserve to thrive, and I am always here to help in any way I can.

Pooja Menon, when I grow up, I want to be just like you. Every moment of your existence is spent boosting up others, regardless of how close to them you might be. You see the good in all humans and encourage them to see the good in themselves. I get teary-eyed thinking about how astonishing you are, Poojie.

Rachel Dwyer, I am so glad that you joined this sisterhood. I know you had an atypical recruitment experience, but I have seen the Alpha Delta Pi in you from the beginning. You display a willingness to learn, to help, and to connect with and love each and every sister. I am so happy you are here, girlfriend.

Rachel Emery, you are so wonderfully fiery and high-spirited. You are clearly passionate about life and the people around you, and this is contagious. You help the women of this chapter not take themselves too seriously, and it absolutely makes our chapter a happier place for all.

Rachel Lile, every time I'm around you, you inquire about my life; you ask me about how school's going or how you can help me with the ADPi-related task that I'm completing. I know that if I or anyone else ever needed anything, you would be there in an instant. You make me and our seventy-some sisters feel consistently loved and supported - I am amazed by you!

Rachel Wright, where do I begin? You are my go-to girl, my best friend, and my closest confidant. I can't believe I have someone as bright, beautiful, and compassionate as you to go to with everything - good and bad. At the end of the day, as long as I have you, I know I'll be okay. Words will never be able to describe what your friendship means to me.

Raneem Issawi, you are my soul sister. You are deep-thinking, intelligent, hard-working, and so many other positive things that make you a bright light in this world. I cannot believe I get to be your friend, because you make every bad day better and every good day sweeter. Never doubt the abilities you hold and the positive difference you will - not can - make.

Riley Eiberger, you initially struck me as shy, but especially over the past year, I have come to know you as one of the funniest people I have ever met. You would give the shirt off your back to help anybody in need - or drive them to Andy's if ice cream was the fix-all. Thank you for being the most loyal friend I know.

Ryann Carroll, I cannot count how many times your motherly advice and unrelenting love has gotten me through a bad day. I'm so thankful that we are able to encourage each other when the times are tough. You want what's best for everyone around you, and our chapter is better for it. You are so special and so valued; I love you.

Sarah Herzberg, I am convinced you are Super Woman. You are a nursing student extraordinaire and the most present, dependable, and uplifting friend. I love everything about being around you - from the thoughtful words you speak, to the laughs you promote, to the positive energy that you emit.

Sarah Lam, I hope you never doubt your place or purpose within this chapter, because I look at you and see everything an Alpha Delta Pi woman should be. You are scholarly, elegant, and kind, and I know that each sister that speaks to you is better after her conversation with you than she was before. I am so lucky to call you a sister, because I know you were meant to be one.

Sarah Melchert, I firmly believe that you are Eugenia reincarnated. You exemplify "we live for each other" each and every day. I will never be deserving of the love and sisterhood that you show me, but I'm so grateful that I get to receive it anyway.

Sarah Wells, you set my spirit at ease every time I'm around you. You ease my fears academically, listen to my personal problems, and always manage to make me feel loved. Regardless of your crazy schedule, you are always willing to sacrifice your time to make sure that I'm feeling confident. I can't explain how much I treasure having you in my life.

Shefali Vaid, the most vivacious person I have ever known. I look forward to hearing anything you have to say, as I know it will either be funny or abundantly kind. You are always looking out for our sisters, and it is so inspiring to witness and receive.

Solveig Weinberg, especially during Spirit Week, I was awestruck by how wise and considerate your comments were. It was so evident to me how much you cared about our chapter and wanted the best for the women in it. You have such natural poise that others gravitate towards, and it is complimented by an smiley disposition that makes me happy every time I'm around you.

Sonali Patel, I can hear your contagious laugh as I write this note to you. I probably wouldn't know you if it weren't for Alpha Delta Pi, which is crazy to me, as I can't imagine not having you in my life! Thank you for always cheering me up with your presence.

Sydney Habert, I am confident when I say that you are one of the purest souls I have ever met. You have such a heart for helping others, and it makes you the best sister and will make you the best physician. Though you're younger than me, I look up to you. I am ever grateful to have you in this chapter and in my life.

And finally, to our Alphas, you have just joined one of the most special chapters belonging to the most incredible organization. The women here will help you become more than you ever imagined for yourself, and you will love them so fiercely for it. It is not always rainbows and butterflies, but at the end of the day, we are united through something that is so much greater than any of us individually. Soak in every moment, because you'll find yourself writing a blog post two years down the road, relishing every memory with once-strangers who became your most treasured friends -- maybe that's just me, though. :)