By: Mary Margaret Achurch

I chose Tri Delta because of a feeling. A feeling of acceptance from girls I had only just begun to know, a feeling of compassion towards each other and our philanthropy, and an all-around warmth that radiated from every girl I spoke to during rush. I have had so many moments this year when I feel so genuinely happy that I am in disbelief that I was lucky enough to find my sisters. Quite honestly, I’m not sure how I made it eighteen years without them.

If I had to choose just one reason why Tri Delta stood out, it would be our philanthropy. St. Jude continues to defy the odds with the children they treat. When a child goes to St. Jude’s, they know they are getting care from the most highly qualified professionals. Our contributions are part of what allows St. Jude to continue their research and treat a wide variety of patients. Our bond with St. Jude is special because it is not simply monetary; besides having committed St. Jude’s largest single pledge in history, we take an annual trip to visit St. Jude and remind ourselves why we raise money and who we’re fighting for. I remember watching a video during philanthropy round of recruitment in which a little girl, a patient at St. Jude, told us her story and how St. Jude helped her. I could see the connection my soon-to-be sisters had made with St. Jude and the genuine love they felt for the patients there. They are so passionate about the cause, and it continues to show. I love knowing that we are helping something so unbelievably important.

Tri Delta is a smiling face as you’re walking across campus, it is supporting the deserving children of St. Jude and their loving families, it is becoming a little to the family of your dreams. It is having endless closets instead of just one. It is your best friends, your bridesmaids, your soulmates, your people. Tri Delta is my home away from home.