Written by: Sarah Kate Powell

Over the past couple of weeks I have been asked a serious of similar questions; tell me about Clemson and what makes it special, what is your favorite part, or describe it in one sentence. As I head into my senior year, these questions have created much reflection on the past three years and all of the memories I have made. There are many things that have shaped my Clemson experience but one that stands out is my involvement in Tri Delta.

Flashback to two summers ago I was sitting in your shoes, anxiously awaiting the recruitment process, and within a few weeks would embark on my own recruitment experience. Three rounds quickly passed by and I found myself sitting in Tri Delta preference round. I remember this moment like it was yesterday. I walked in knowing that I had a huge decision to make. As I sat there I was overwhelmed by a wave of tears, excitement, peace and joy all at once when I pictured myself standing next to any of the girls wearing white dresses around the room. Each of these women was weird in her own way, goofy, random, funny, kind, athletic, artistic, musical, quiet, loud, confident, motivated, energetic, and true to her values. It was crystal clear that each brought something special to the group and without her Tri Delta at Clemson University wouldn’t be the same. As you know I made my decision that afternoon and thankfully it was mutual. The following day I ran down Bowman field to a group of girls who would soon become some of my best friends, my sisters, and my biggest cheerleaders.

Over the past two years I have learned a very important lesson about what sisterhood means from my Tri Delta sisters. Sisterhood is many wonderful things. It’s a warm smile on a cold rainy day, a friendly hug, and a cheerful hello. It’s treasured. It’s sacred. It’s eternal. It’s knowing that there will always be someone there for you. It’s dreams shared, and goals achieved. It’s counting on others and being counted on. It is real.

Tri Delta has allowed me to be confident, to stay true to my values, to give selflessly, to be a part of something bigger than myself, and to be who I was created to be. C.S. Lewis says, “Be weird. Be random, be who you are. Because you never know who would love the person you hide.” I am thankful to be a part of Tri Delta. I am confident the friendships and memories that I have made will not end here but will continue throughout a lifetime.

My hope for all of you that are anxiously awaiting recruitment is that you will all find what Tri Delta has been for me. Remember to be yourself, stay true to your values, and just have fun with it! Go Tri Delta!