When I was 8 years old, all I wanted was to be as perfect as Elle Woods, as confident as Beyoncé, and to finally have girls that would love me the way the Cheetah Girls loved each other. Sitting in my bed as a 21 year old senior in college, I have found that some of these things will never be attainable – getting a 179 on your LSAT after studying for a semester literally makes no sense, Beyoncé’s confidence is so rare because it is what makes her Beyoncé, and the Cheetah Girls weren’t good enough friends to tell Dorinda that orange was not her color. However, that little girl would have the biggest smile when I tell her what I did find – I found friends that love me for who I truly am, who cheer me on as if I’m Elle Woods herself, and who remind me that I have so much to be confident about.

Coming into college, my anxiety was pretty loud. I love being in control and taking the world by storm while keeping my family in the loop on what I think the entire time. College turned these things on their heads – apparently being in control at all times is not only unrealistic but unnecessary, taking the world by storm has more meanings than just becoming Olivia Pope (although this continues to be one of my favorite definitions), and having people down the hall to give you a hug is just as important as your mom answering your panicked phone calls. In the midst of learning these hard lessons, I was surrounded by the strongest support system I have ever felt, and I truly believe that is why I have made it this far.

Joining Alpha Delta Pi was as glamorous as I thought it would be – the intense and intentional meetings, the adorable sisterhood events, the uncontrollable laughter when walking with my sisters between classes. But it was more than I expected. I had no idea there would be 200 girls ready to come jump my car, to encourage me after a bad test grade, and to listen to the self-imposed boy crises as many times as I needed to share. I had never been one to ask for help – I’m more of the “fix it before anyone sees it was ever broken” kind of girl. But these young women – they catch me. They caught me on my worst days. They belly laugh with me. They catch me when I self-isolate because I have the need to be alone until I can be perfect on the outside. They chest bump me between classes, no matter who is watching. They force me to make sure I am taking care of both my physical and mental health. They teach me how to run ANOVA tests for class. They let me tell them everything is okay, then they take me on nighttime drives until I am ready to tell them what’s really going on. They convince me that I am just enough as I am. These girls are so much more than the Cheetah Girls – these girls are my true sisters, and we will stick together.

So, to the girls of Alpha Delta Pi, thank you from my 8 year old self. Thank you for showing her that she can be loved so deeply and so genuinely even when she shows her brokenness. Thank you from me, my 21 year old self, for consistently pushing me and catching me simultaneously. Thank you from both of us – we wouldn’t have the laughs, the growth, the love we have felt without you. Also…thank you for never letting me wear orange.

Pi love forever,

Sheridan Forker