Greek Sing. I was first introduced to these two words around October of my first semester at a chapter meeting. Someone mentioned this event was their "Super Bowl," and I was perplexed, to say the least. Then, the lights were dimmed and a youtube like took us to a video of a stage with bright lights. Everyone in the room roared with loud applause, whistles, screams, and excitement. For the next 4 minutes or so, I watched in awe of what was on the screen. I saw costumes, dancing, elaborate signs, lights, music, and glamor. I didn't even know why these girls were dancing, or why the room was a sea of excitement, but I knew I wanted to be a part of it.

Later, I found out just what Greek Sing truly was. Greek Sing is a philanthropic event hosted by Chi Omega and Beta Theta Pi here at UK, benefiting the Make-A-Wish foundation. All of the fraternities and sororities compete. There is a fundraising portion as well as a dance competition. But it isn't just any competition; it is an intense four-month endeavor with passion and enthusiasm. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Before I knew it, tryouts for the ADPi Greek Sing dance team were announced: they were going to be held on December 4th. At this point, I didn't know many girls in ADPi. I consider myself an outgoing person but being a biology major, the transition from high school to my first semester of college was truly kicking my butt. I didn't have time to create true friend groups or find my place quite yet, and I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. On top of that, because of my STEM major, I was warned to not do Greek Sing because it is such a large time commitment. This frightened me, but lucky for me, I am such an ambitious person that I often bite off more than I can chew. So, I ignored this warning and found myself watching Mattie Lewis dance to "Lovin' On Me" by Jack Harlow at least a hundred times. I didn't even know her name at the time, but her face was burned into my memory from how many times I had watched the tryout video.

Nonetheless, December 4th was finally here. I walked into the Pi Palace and was surrounded by girls in the cutestest workout sets and I was scared for my life. I knew of girls in my AC but I was only truly close with one that was trying out: Josie Atkins. She stood in the back with me and made me feel a little less uneasy while we watched Mattie Lewis (I still didn't know her name at this time) stand at the front and go over the choreo. It was time. Josie and I didn't end up in the same try out group, but our tryout numbers were in the 60s, so we had a long time to wait. The first group went, and I quickly realized who the UK dance team girls were. As if I wasn't intimated enough, this really pushed me over the edge. But, with every group, the entire room cheered on the girls standing before us and that's when I began to feel comfortable. Some girls would mess up, and everyone in the room would just cheer her on louder. It didn't seem so scary anymore. Then I was up. I was scared again. and I was preparing myself for failure. But I survived. When I was done, girls I had never seen before were hyping me up and telling me how great I did. I never felt so loved, supported, and at home. Even if I didn't make the team, I was happy to know I was seen and cheered on.

After December 4th, I anxiously awaited to know if I made the team. I went through the entire Christmas break thinking about what it would be like to make the team. January 4th, I was added to a group chat named "Green group" and got a Facebook notification right after. I finally saw my name on a list and was ecstatic to be chosen for the team. I didn't know what the green group was going to be, and I didn't even know our theme. I just knew I was so happy I could hardly breathe. I immediately texted Josie and was a little scared to find out she wasn't in the same group. I had no idea what I would do because, as I said, I didn't truly know anyone who had tried out. I also didn't recognize any phone numbers in my group chat. I patiently waited for our first practice.

I showed up at the Pi Palace on a late Tuesday in January and looked around. I realized the girls in my group were the girls who went in the first groups at tryouts. I was feeling on top of the world that they had put me in a group with these girls that I was starstruck by, but then I began to regret my choice because there was no way I could ever even compare to the amazing talent the girls around me had. Fast forward a couple of weeks, and I finally learned who Claire Cullen and Mattie Lewis were. I quickly became the freshman that asked them 1 million questions every week. I made friendships with the UK dance team girls that I was so terrified of because of how experienced they were. Two girls in particular were always next to me in formations and would teach me moves on the side that I didn't understand. They never treated me like a burden and patiently helped me with whatever I didn't get. Both were petite blondes that immediately felt like older sisters to me. One always had the best slick back hairstyles I've ever seen, and the other came in scrubs every single week. Although they were shorter than me, I looked up to them in every way.

Sabrina Fishman is the girl who mastered slick back buns. I would watch her in the videos after practice every week. Her movements were so sharp and clean I would try my hardest to make my movement just partially resemble hers. I looked up to her unapologetic opinions and how sure she was of herself. I don't think anyone in that room could tell her what to do. Olivia Vadakin was the girl in the scrubs who was always running just a little bit late. I didn't even talk to her before I knew I admired her. The fact that she was in the nursing program and still doing Greek singing, I knew she was someone I wanted to be friends with. Not to mention how amazing she was at dancing – she even got put at the front to show everyone how we should be doing a move. She was quite literally the blueprint. Luckily, she happened to be placed next to me in formations, and we would crack jokes with each other on the side. The jokes turned into conversations, and the conversations turned into asking how each other's week went, and before I knew it, I would come to practice and look for her so I could be around her. Her smile makes me smile, and she was my little ray of sunshine once a week during the cold and rainy months of my second semester. Looking back, I can't imagine doing Greek Sing without her.

After months of preparation and spending time with this great group of girls, it was time. Greek Sing was finally upon us, and I was thrilled to see it all come together. At 9 a.m., all of the dancers piled into the Pi Palace, and we sat in suspense doing hair and makeup until 3 p.m. I watched Sabrina do at least seven slick back hairstyles and killed all of them – I didn't expect anything different. Then, during all of the chaos and stress, I watched Liv do at least 3 hours of homework and still manage to make me smile while doing it– I also didn't expect anything different. We traveled to Rupp, and I was finally sitting in the arena surrounded by girls who had worked so hard for this moment. ADPi was called to make our way to the stage, and this was it. Liv had to tell me to stop being nervous at least 50 times, but she still never stopped reassuring me, and she never once complained.

"A Milli" by Lil Wayne was the first song in our segment, and as soon as I heard that beat, I stopped focusing and started dancing. The movement was muscle memory at this point, and the lights were so bright I couldn't see a single face in the crowd. After our 4 minutes were up, we made it off the stage and sighed in relief.

We ended up getting 2nd place for the dance, but that wasn't what mattered. What mattered is this: 1. We raised an insane amount of money for the Make-A-Wish foundation. 2. I, a girl who barely knew anyone in my sorority, made relationships with girls that I now couldn't imagine my life without. Looking back, I am so happy I tried out. It doesn't matter your major, your experience level, or how many people you know. All you have to do is say "yes." I can not express enough how much I enjoyed this opportunity and can't wait for tryouts next year. Greek Sing is my new Super Bowl.

-Sohi Park

AC ‘23