I’ve lived in Lexington my whole life. Growing up I heard about my family being in Greek life. I didn’t see any need for me to follow in their footsteps. In fact, I was totally against joining a sorority when I got to UK. I thought it was something where you paid for friends and got to have a few Greek letters in your Instagram bio. Boy was I wrong!

My sweet friend Alex Wesley walked into the Science building one day and looked at me and said, “Ellie I know you have said you would never join a sorority, but ADPi is participating in spring recruitment and I really think you should consider it.” After a lot of talking and a lot of convincing I finally called my mom and said, “I think I am going to do it.” I talked to Shelby Arnett on Zoom for COR recruitment and immediately realized this was much much more than something in your Instagram bio. She made me realize that this was a SISTERHOOD. A group of girls who would support me and push me to be better in everything I do. A place on campus that I could call home. After that 20-minute talk on Zoom, I called Alex telling her this was something I KNEW I had to be a part of. 

I told Alex how I was worried that, since I was coming into a sorority halfway through the year, I would not be able to make any friends. Once again, I was proven wrong. Alex assured me that I would find my place. Immediately, these girls made me feel like I was supposed to be here. For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged right away. Everyone has been so down to earth and genuine. They cherish and value the same things as me. They push me to achieve my goals and believe in me more than I believe in myself. They love me for who I am and encourage me to be better. When I met Gracie Hardy, it felt like I had known her my whole life. Sophie Joseph is one of the nicest and funniest people I have ever met. I could go on and on about every girl in this chapter.

I already know these girls will be in my life forever. They are the people I will graduate with, they will be invited to my wedding, and they will be the best aunts to my future children. I have only been an ADPi since February, and Beta Psi has already stolen my heart. Although I have never stepped foot inside, 476 Rose Street is my home 5 minutes away from home. I will never be able to thank Alex Wesley and ADPi enough. You have given me a new meaning to the word sorority. It’s a home and a sisterhood that I am proud to be a part of forever.

Pi Love,

Ellie Hein