I went through recruitment with an open mind, and I had no idea about Instagrams or Tumblr pages for Greek Life. About the third day I knew which house I wanted, they didn’t ask me back for preference day. Instead of quitting and dropping out of Recruitment I decided to give the others a chance. While I was at the AOII house I felt a connection and as if I was getting along with a soon be friend/sister than just a routine interview or forced conversation. I knew I belonged. But this was my first “Why AOII”. A month later I gained a Big which I have more in common than I do with my biological sisters and I look up to for her determination, leadership, and ambition to become the best woman she can be, all the while being herself through the journey of college. My experience changed once more.
On October 16th my “Why AOII” changed in that I knew exactly why I belonged. I soon became immersed in the history and ritual of AOII. Ever since I became an AOII, I friends and family have been asking me “Well, why AOII why this sorority?” and my answer for each individual varies. This isn’t because I think of the first thing that comes to mind or that I just don’t really know why its because I’ve found through AOII that gaining all these experiences and memories will always be the reason why I chose AOII. What makes AOII unique is that although we all are diverse individuals when we are together, as a sisterhood, we can accomplish anything we have set our minds to. We are a unique group of sisters but that is what strengthens our sorority.
-Shelby Watkins