I grew up always having people to lean on, whether that be my sister, guy friends, or parents. I didn’t really have a ton of girl friends growing up, but I thought nothing of it. I didn’t think it was weird that I always had playdates with boys, even though every other 7-year-old girl thought boys had cooties.

I honestly was never a huge girl person, I thought they were too dramatic and very stereotypical. I wasn’t a tomboy or anything growing up, I loved wearing dresses and doing my makeup. I just always preferred hanging out with boys over girls.

When I was in high school, I went to an all-girls school, and it seemed I had found my girl group. Throughout the years, my group would switch around a little bit, but I still had a couple of solid girls around me. Although, when I moved into college that all changed. The majority of my girl group from high school split up and it seems we don’t even talk when we are all home for breaks.

As I began my recruitment process, I knew I wanted that stereotypical sisterhood that I had somewhat found in high school. But little did I know, the girls who I was about to call my sisters would change my life forever. As I ran onto the lawn on bid day, I was surrounded with 300 other girls who I was told were going to be my forever friends, bridesmaids, and every other cliché.

I liked being in a sorority, but it was difficult because of course, cliques had begun to form, and I didn’t want to push myself on anyone. When the end of my freshman year rolled around, my parents asked if I wanted to live in the house the next year, and that sounded like something I could never imagine doing. Living with 49 other girls for a whole year was anything but up my alley, but alas I said yes to the new adventure.

I moved into the house, and when my parents pulled away from the house, I realized I was really doing this. I was really about to live in a house with 49 other girls and a house mom. I cried the first night, not even going to lie, I didn’t have anyone I knew I could turn to in the house. But as the second day rolled around, I knew I needed to put myself out there. I knocked on door 10, and little did I know I would open the door to 5 of my newest best friends. I soon found myself sitting around the couch with 12 other girls chatting until 1:30 in the morning. I knew this was my home, this was where I was supposed to be.

Now, just a little under a month later, I can say I have found my girl group, not only in the chapter as a whole, but in the house. These girls are my shoulders to cry on when I have a bad breakup, my late-night Walmart runs, my 3 AM chats about the frat boys next door, my Mamma Mia marathon buddies. I could not imagine a better group of girls to confidently call my girl group.

So, to the girl who has found her girl group, hold onto them tight. They are going to be the biggest blessings in your lives. They will pick you up when you are down, laugh with you, cry with you, tell you goodnight and everything in between. Don’t be afraid to knock on that door, send that text, or say hi to someone. I know I am so thankful I put myself out there and took a leap, and you will be too.