Emma Hansen

I grew up a people-pleaser. My Type A-personality combined with natural extroversion made for a flawed sense of self. My self-worth was determined by whether or not people liked me, and so many of my decisions were influenced by how I thought others would respond to them.

Going through sorority recruitment meant I struggled intensely with this underlying feeling during freshman year. I sought affirmation from girls in a way that glorified who I wanted to be above my reflection of the Lord. I was constantly caught in a never-ending game of comparison with everyone around me. Ultimately, my focus was on me.

However, I noticed early on that many of the girls I met in Chi O encouraged me in a way that affirmed Christlike characteristics in me - not what I looked like or how funny I was (which was a negative two on a scale of one to ten), but uplifted me and genuinely wanted to know me not just as a potential addition to the chapter, but as a person. When I was with Chi Os, I didn’t feel the need to try so hard.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord used Chi O to draw me closer to Him this last year. I am beyond thankful for how well Chi O has served and loved me just in the last eight months. I know this group of women is far more important than some silly letters and traditions, because these girls are the hands and feet of Christ in the truest sense of the phrase. Thankful for Chi O, but more thankful for the Lord and His work in that room. He is good.