Harleigh

Fresh Start

Harleigh Schneider

While I never had a “Why AOII Story” or a profound Cinderella moment with a ‘the shoe fits’ feeling, I can recall a million and one reasons why I chose AOII.

College is a huge reset button where you can start over and break from your high school mold. We use this fresh start as an opportunity to present ourselves in a new light. We try new things, meet new people and find out what we are passionate about. I really wanted to give sorority life a try but I was concerned that it would ruin my fresh start. So many people have different ideas of what sorority girls are and I didn't want to be defined by one organization.

Two years later, I know that my sisters and the Panhellenic community didn’t define me in a negative or narrowing way, but instead they gave me an amazing opportunity. AOII has allowed me to be around amazing women with character, values and compassion. Our diverse interests allowed me to explore and try new things. Without my sisters, I would not have the amazing college experience I have today.

My sisters in AOII have been teachers and role models, exemplifying fierce, unreserved love, innovation, respect, and knowledge. I realize now that true long-lasting friendships don't always begin with a profound Cinderella moment, but rather little moments over time that build into a beautiful and tenacious sisterhood.

AOII didn't stick me into a box or ruin my fresh start. It's a privilege to be able to define myself as a sister of AOII because that means I am part of an organization that was founded on the basis of friendship.