Caitlin Vanderwolf

English literature senior

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When reflecting on my past three years at Loyola, certain images come to mind: the soft pink of the light that poured in through my freshman dorm window around three in the afternoon, the many detours to Audubon that I took on my bike between campus and Cabra, and the day that I was initiated into an amazing chapter of women who have loved and supported me. In fact, the more I think about my most important memories, relationships, and moments of triumph, I find myself thinking about my experiences as a Greek woman on campus. Making a commitment to Theta Phi Alpha has afforded me the opportunity to forge long-lasting bonds with the women I call my sisters.

As a freshman, I found support in older members of the chapter. My “big” and other upper-class sisters were always around to help me, give advice, and act as the role models I needed in my early college days. I also found ways to contribute to the success of my sorority, like taking the position of fundraising chair almost immediately after my new member season. I learned to balance my own responsibilities and was held accountable by my sisters to better the chapter by staying involved.

That being said, nothing kept me accountable like wanting to take a “little” myself. In my sophomore year, I had the privilege of guiding another wonderful woman into the chapter. Helping someone to find her place and find herself is one of the greatest joys that Greek life can offer. Embarking on that journey through good and bad times together is what makes sisterhood bigger than friendship, and better too.

At the beginning of the end of my years as a collegian member of Theta Phi Alpha, I cannot help but wonder how life might have been different had I not accepted my bid. Might I have learned how to schedule myself? How to push myself or let others challenge me? How to lead with purpose and compassion? There’s really no way to tell. I do know that I’m achieving more now than I ever thought possible, socially, professionally and academically. I also know that though my days as a collegian are numbered, Theta Phi Alpha doesn’t end with me. The sisterhood extends far into the past and even further into the future. Plus, I know I can stay involved post-college by supporting the chapter as an alum.

Friends and future sisters and brothers, those that are starting the process of finding where you fit this recruitment, I encourage you to choose wisely. Know that you’re making a commitment to a group of individuals who will mean more to you than you may understand. Dive into the Greek community head first, and have the strength to keep swimming in the years you have left at Loyola. I can promise that you will not regret becoming a part of something bigger.