Why Tri Delta? The answer is so simple, the people. Last summer, when considering recruitment, I surveyed the extensive advantages of joining a sorority; However, I didn't fully understand the impact and importance of the relationships I would build within my chapter.

Coming from out of state, where I had lived my entire life and attended the same school for eleven years, the recruitment process was intimidating, to say the least. However, in my first round within Tridelta, I spoke with Ellen Spiers (who is now my big), and if I could describe it in one word, it would be refreshing. The conversation flew with such ease, and I quickly felt so comfortable and welcomed; all my prior inhibitions about rush and college, in general, were replaced with pure excitement for my future at Clemson. When talking to Ellen, her passion for Tri Delta and her friends was so apparent, and I immediately knew that joining this sorority would mean gaining a lot more than Greek letters on a t-shirt.

As rounds continued, Tridelta's motto "bring you" felt evident in each conversation because every girl made me feel wanted and loved for who I was. I felt myself laughing, engaging in heartfelt conversations, and feeling comfortable in my own skin. Looking back, I am so thankful I made this connection during recruitment because I have found the intentional friendships Ellen described during our conversations.

I can confidently say this chapter has connected me with people who embody what it means to be a good friend. Tridelta's values of truth, self-sacrifice, and friendship are evident in so many girls in my pledge class; each of my friends exude kindness and authenticity, displaying the person and friend I strive to be. From bid day to the tearful move-out day—These girls have been by my side. They bring joy into the mundane Douthit dinners, make me laugh until I cry, sprint to the dance floor every function; and most importantly, they became my rock and support system throughout the hardships of college.

Some honorable mentions include Laney Askins helping my clueless self do hair and makeup for every function and Jennings Searcy waking all our friends up at three AM to jump into the reflection pond our last night in the dorm. Or the time we made easter brunch together for the girls whose hometowns were too far away, or all the times Maddie Combs and I spent countless late nights laughing through the tears in the academic success center. Or when Kate Eagles invited 30+ girls to her beach house so that we didn't have to stay apart all of Christmas break.

With that being said, I honestly do not think freshman year would've been so rewarding without this group of women I've found within my pledge class. Even with the national crisis of a pandemic, I felt my experience went well beyond my expectations. Not only did I have a great time my freshman year, but I also met the people that love and support me through it all, and for that, I am eternally grateful and entirely thrilled for what the next three years have in store.

DLAM, Laura (PC ‘20)