Jordan

Why AOII
Jordan Maijala

There was no part of me that wanted to go through Panhellenic Recruitment at DePaul last fall. I had just transferred from being a dance major at a big state school to totally flipping my life around concentrating on business in the city. Joining a sorority was the last thing I wanted and to be honest, I wasn't sure that the lifestyle was for me throughout most of the recruitment process. 

Being a transfer student is hard and lonely. DePaul is a big commuter school and it can be difficult to make friends if you don't have a reason to spend time on campus. After a few weeks of school, I felt like I really missed being a part of an organization. I didn't have anything that was tying me to my new school and I knew that I needed to change that. Recruitment seemed like the most obvious option and after one night of dressing up and talking to girls from each chapter, I knew I made the right choice. I was looking for a strong group of friends that would bring out the best in me, and I knew I would find that group in one of these chapters.

As the week went on, narrowing the decision was hard. My grandma had been an AOII and I had a few great conversations with one of the girls, Rachel, so I decided to go with my first thought and try to be an AOII. After receiving my bid and running home, I was still feeling unsure of my decision. It is hard to see yourself being best friends with a bunch of girls you just met, but after some serious convincing from my new member educator, Jamie, and my now big who I wish I could name but she will be disaffiliated for recruitment, I realized that AOII was exactly what I needed and that I had finally found my home at DePaul.

All I can say about AOII is how great these girls are. I now know that I could not be more sure of the decision I made. I have sisters who can complement each part of me and bring out things I didn’t know I had. I've definitely found my best friends at DePaul which was something I wasn't sure would happen so easily. I know why I chose AOII, but why I stayed was so much greater. I’ve found myself, an amazing group of sisters, a home, and a set of Greek letters I will always be proud to show.