Sisters’ Thoughts
Katherine Kelly:
I went through formal recruitment after losing contact with friends from high school. I had a lot of friends in AOII at the time, but I tried to keep an open mind while visiting other houses. By Sisterhood round though it was obvious that AOII was the house for me! After initiation a lot of things changed in my life, some not for the better, and I considered leaving Greek life. My sisters were so supportive and there for me during that tough time. They, unknowingly, convinced me to stick with AOII and I’m so happy I did! AOII has become my home away from home and these women are the ones I know I can always count on through the good times and the bad!
Justine Moran:
When someone asks “Why AOII” I think to myself of all the reasons why I did decide to join AOII. I have one sister and I love her to death, but she does not go to Ohio State and she is getting married. My sister and I are growing up and when I came to college, I did not think it would be so hard to recreate that bond I have with my sister with someone else on campus. When I first went to the house and met all the girls, I knew I could have that sisterly bond with not only one person but with one hundred girls. The sisters of AOII would do anything for each other and truly are sisters. I joined AOII because I did not gain only one sister, but a whole sorority full of sisters!
Haley Wiezbiski:
When the chance came to go Greek, I was very unsure about if I wanted to pursue it or not. I grew up with two older brothers which caused me to end up getting along better with guys, so I never knew what it was like to have sisters or knew anything about the bond of true sisterhood. One day, I decided to go to an event for AOII during informal recruitment. I was very intimidated because I had no idea what to expect or how the girls would act towards me and each other. Once I walked into the house, I was in awe of the atmosphere. I was so surprised at how easy it was for me to have conversations with everyone, and at the same time, they were all genuinely interested in learning about me and the type of person that I am. I also noticed the way the girls interacted with each other, and I realized that I wanted that sisterly bond! After that day, there was no doubt in my mind I was choosing to become an AOII. Looking back before that day, I never thought I would create the relationships that I have and that they would end up meaning so much to me. Throughout my time at AOII, I have truly experienced sisterhood and I am extremely happy I have it. Going Greek and choosing AOII was the smartest decision I have ever made. This past year has been the best year of my life and it is all thanks to my sisters!
Katherine Donahue:
I went through formal recruitment during freshmen year at my very first opportunity. My first quarter was a little rough as I was in a major that wasn’t quite right and I had contracted mono right before finals. Despite all of this, I was greatly looking forward to recruitment. The first weekend of recruitment was tough because after that first quarter, my “stats” for PHA weren’t the best. The second weekend I came back to preference round at AOII. I opened up to my future Grand Big why AOII, asking what AOII saw in me. She shared that AOII saw something in me that they knew would be great for the chapter. This was an amazing experience for me because I learned that AOII looked past numbers on paper to truly see the real me. I loved feeling wanted as an asset to the chapter and I was so happy to be welcomed home on Bid Day. I still had some reservations at first but the chapter helped me work through my change in career and I was able to fully appreciate the support of this sisterhood. The chapter has continued to unearth characteristics within me, shaping me into the leader I have become. AOII has truly made me a stronger woman and I look forward to carrying what I’ve learned from AOII into my alumnae life. Collegiate life has been amazing and I look forward to all of the opportunities that AOII will continue to provide!