We can still remember the last night we had together before Maddie left for college. We were stuffing our faces in pizza and binge-watching Grey’s Anatomy, doing our best to ignore the fact that tomorrow we would be separated for the first time in our lives. We are 22 months apart, but because of Tri Delta, we couldn’t be any closer.

Maddie: I was so excited, but so nervous to move to Nacogdoches and start my journey at Stephen F. Austin State University. I remember climbing those 6 floors with all my dorm necessities to room 628 in Steen Hall that hot August day. With the help of my family, I was moved in quickly and I hugged them goodbye. I tried my best not to cry, but when I hugged my not-so-little sister, tears spilled from my eyes. I could not imagine doing life without her. Thankfully, I had recruitment starting that next day, and little did I know, I would not be doing life without a sister (or should I say sisters) this year. Although, it has almost been two years, I can still remember those three breath taking days vividly. The hairspray, the manicures, the constant pitting, the urge to re-apply your matte lipstick, and the blistering feet from hours of wearing heels was worth it. My heart was so full on Bid Day when I walked through those royal blue doors because this beautiful house was now my home… and then I blinked and my freshman year was over. I know that sounds very exaggerated, but your freshman year in college is even faster than your senior year in high school. I got home that summer and shared my experience with Emma. I wanted her so badly to share the inseparable bond I had with my Tri Delta sisters.

Emma: During my senior year, I was stressed about choosing the right college. I loved SFA, but I was scared I was choosing it because my big sister was there. That year without her had been hard, and we both missed each other a lot. After my high school football team lost the fifth round in playoffs and I turned in my poms, I was anxious to graduate. On Maddie’s birthday weekend, I drove to East Texas to celebrate with her. I fell in love with that drive, full of pine trees and wide-open spaces. I met her sorority sisters and clicked with them instantly. I knew I wanted to be a lumberjack and though I did my best to keep an open mind, I knew I wanted to be a Tri Delta too. In August of 2016, I hauled my carefully picked wall decor, my Keurig, and as many clothes as I could fit in the tiny dorm wardrobe to Steen Hall, and chose just one letter that is three times better.

Growing up, we had always been close, but Tri Delta has made us best friends. We have both grown so much and we know it’s because we are surrounded by unique, beautiful, and strong sisters. Sisters that stay up all night flipping pancakes for our wonderful philanthropy, St. Jude. Sisters that watch Nicholas Sparks movies with you and buy you pints of half-baked Ben and Jerry’s ice cream when that stupid frat boy breaks your heart. Sisters that open the doors of their closet to make sure you have the perfect outfit for tailgate. Sisters that help you thrive and steadfastly love one another. We have both always felt so fortunate to have one perfect sister, but words cannot describe how blessed we feel to have 100 sisters. There is truly nothing better than sharing your letters and your last name! We wish all the young women whom are choosing to go Greek this fall the best of luck and we hope you find the home we did in Tri Delta.

Delta Love and ours,

The Pellet Sisters

Before you join a sorority, you’ll hear that you'll get a big sister and that she'll be your best friend and eventually a bridesmaid in your wedding. But, nothing can prepare you for the type of relationship you're going to have with your big or your family. I could not have been happier with the family I was taken into.

Big, you are the cutest little ball of sunshine and my freshman year of college would not have been the same without you. You were always there when I needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent to. Thank you for bringing me home from class every Wednesday and talking me through everything from outfits to assignments. You are a life saver.

GBig, I have known you basically my entire life. You are one of the best human beings I have ever had the privilege of knowing. You light up any room that you walk into and you have never met a stranger. I'm so proud of you for going alum and even though you’ve graduated, I’m so glad that you're just a phone call away.

With role models like you two, I know I'm heading on the right path. You have both shown me what it feels like to be accepted and loved for who I am and not what others want me to be. When I came to college, I wasn't expecting to be so welcomed by strangers, but Tri Delta has shown me what true friendship is. To my lil family, my two best friends, you'll never know how much you mean to me. I love you more than I could ever possibly put into words and I wish everyone could get the chance to meet you at least once in their lives. You are two of the strongest and most beautiful women in the entire world. Keep being you and make the world love you like I do. 

DLAM always,

Your little nugg, Jaycee

I still so clearly remember going through recruitment as a timid, terrified, shy 18-year-old. It’s hard to believe I’m sitting here writing about why I am so passionate about the recruitment process as the Recruitment Chair for Tri Delta! Panhellenic Recruitment is without a doubt my favorite time as both a PNM going through, and also as a member within the chapter on the other side.  I appreciate the process for what it is because it landed me in a home full of women that I am lucky enough to call my sisters.

Let’s back up a little bit to high-school-Amanda; I didn’t even sign myself up for recruitment, my soon-to-be freshman year roommate signed me up because I “didn’t see myself as a sorority girl” ,but she insisted that I at least try it out. I had seen the movies, I had read the dumb Greek rank websites, and I thought I didn’t want any part of it. But, I went through with it regardless, because why not? I could always change my mind later on down the road, right? So recruitment comes and I walk up to my very first house, not having any idea what to expect. I entered through those doors and immediately thought “What did I get myself into?!” Haha! Long story short, in the beginning, this process intimidated me, which is exactly why I fell in love with it. I’ve always gone by the motto: if you are comfortable in this life, you’re not growing; fall out of your comfort zone and see where it takes you.

So, day three rolled around and just like the other 50% of girls going through, I was somewhat torn (as it turns out, three days is a very short amount of time to process something as crazy as recruitment!) So, I ran to my Rho Gammas, talked their ears off for hours, and realized I needed to go with the home that I felt most unapologetic-ally and unafraid to be myself in, yet also choose the home where I felt I was going to grow immensely, and gain experiences and memories that would last forever, and here I am writing this for you three years down the road!

I think it is so important for young women to understand the benefits of joining Greek life, especially in a society that paints such a bad picture of it. I was right where you are right now, wondering: What if I join a sorority and I hate it? What if I join a sorority and lose myself in the process? What if I join a sorority and realize as any point in time that it’s just not for me? Well I am here and happy to tell you that I learned very quickly going into college and recruitment to instead ask myself: What if I love it? What if I lose my old self and gain a better one? What if it is totally for me?

I was terrified to come to college; I planned on staying in my hometown after high school and not going off to university. It took one visit to SFASU to realize this can easily be made into my new home away from home. And then, short after, I went through recruitment and realized very quickly Tri Delta could also easily be made my new home away from home.

The recruitment process brought me an immense amount of love and support from sisters I would have never had the opportunity to meet and know otherwise. These women are the reason for my strong foundation below me, and they are the reason I have learned not to fear the path ahead of me. This home has truly built me, and I cannot wait to see each of you find the home that will build you!

Delta love and mine,

Amanda Campbell

Vice President of Membership

As I’m approaching my senior year, or in my case my last semester of college, I can’t help but tear up a little realizing how fast these past three years flew by. Going into college my freshman year, so my people told me to never take any moment for granted, but you don’t realize it until you’re a senior and the real world is approaching fast.  

It felt like just yesterday I guilted my mom into letting me join a sorority. I remember walking into the Tri Delta house and it feeling like home. I know that sounds cliché, but it was that easy. I remember having a conversation that seemed like it went by so fast and felt so genuine because it wasn’t awkward or forced. I’m so thankful for that day, because looking back at all the fun and lasting memories I have made are all because of who Tri Delta brought into my life.

My freshman year roommate and suitemate were also Tri Deltas and nothing compares to having a study partner you can rely on, staying up until 4 a.m. just talking about life or convincing each other that it’s a good idea to sneak a guinea pig into your dorm room. I’ll never forget when sophomore year rolled around and PC ‘14 had a Tri Delta takeover in Village on the third floor, or having my first little run into my arms and finding a forever-best friend. After the spring semester flew by, we all cried knowing we had to leave each other for three months during the summer, but then we got so bored being home that we took a random road trip to Tennessee to visit the Tri Delta Place at St. Jude. This past year, as a junior, felt like it went by faster than any other year. We spent most of our year staying in and watching movies because we were too lazy to put makeup on, and I will always cherish being in a group message with seven of my closest friends that constantly blew up my phone.

These past years I have found who I am, made so many memories, and found my best friends all because of Tri Delta. I’ve found friends that have stuck by my side through all the ups and downs and have encouraged me to be a better me. They have been there to wipe my tears and hold my hand when I needed it the most. Also in these past few years, I have fallen in love with St. Jude and I am so proud to be a part of something that saves lives every single day. I can’t believe my time at SFA and as a Tri Delta is almost up. I know I’m leaving SFA a better person than I started and I am so thankful for that. College has gone by way too fast, so take it from a senior, please enjoy every moment and don’t take it for granted because it’s the best four years of your life.

DLAM,

  Sarah