Sister Spotlight: Mel Bilge

            Being a sister of Pi Beta Phi has been a very rewarding experience that has given me many opportunities to create change not only in my chapter, but on campus as well. One of these opportunities is being able to join Greek Allies, a student run organization that is open to all Greek fraternity and sorority members. Greek Allies strives to be a support system as well as an advocacy group that deals with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender , queer, questioning, intersex, and ally issues.  I joined Greek Allies with two other Pi Phi’s with the intent to not only become an Ally, but to inform others on campus, as well as those in my chapter about LGBTQIA issues that affect all of us in some shape or form.  It is important to me and others in our group to create a safe space for those that may already be in Greek houses that are struggling with their sexuality and how it may affect their role in their chapters and how others act towards them. We also want to be able to warmly welcome all women who choose to undergo the recruitment process and let them know they we are accepting of everyone and that we would be a comfortable environment for them to surround themselves with. Greek Allies has not only made me become a better person but it has brought me closer to my other sisters that are also involved in the program. We spend a lot of time discussing personal issues and opinions and through these discussions, we have come to learn a lot about each other  on a deeper level. Greek Allies is like a second family to me and I love that I can be a part of such a change with some of my sisters.