Written by: Maya Dixon, Chapter Correspondent

August 29th, 2016, I ran down Bowman with 70 girls I had never met before. Little did I know those same 70 girls would become my closest friends. It’s weird to look back and realize those pictures and snapchat videos I took on bid day with “strangers” are now some of my most cherished memories from freshman year. I say all this and it sounds like it could be coming from any girl in any chapter, but I’ve had this amazing experience only because of the wonderful girls I met in Tri Delta. My time during rush was chaotic and I don’t remember much but I do remember the Tri Delta rounds. I think it’s because they were the only rounds where I felt welcome to be myself and knew everyone I talked to genuinely wanted to get to know me. That’s when I fully knew where I wanted to be- with the girls that wanted me for me.

Tri Delta gave me something I never knew I was missing- unconditional friendship. Growing up in a small town and going to a small school, I thought I knew what true friendship was… until I joined Tri Delta. The friends I’ve made through Tri Delta are some of the most special people in my life, I know they would drop anything for me, just as I would for them. They push me when I need it and comfort me if something comes crashing down.

My favorite memory of my time in Tri Delta so far has definitely been living on the hall. Whether it’s movie marathons in the chapter room or spontaneous trips to Spill the Beans, we never do anything without running up and down the hall to extend the invitation to everyone. The study sessions in the kitchen are never without entertainment and the excitement of functions can be felt down the hallway the whole week leading up.

These girls are not just 70 strangers that I ran down Bowman with. These are my friendships that will definitely lead to years and years of group messages and annual beach vacations, even when we’re all in wheelchairs!