Dear Babies (Oops, I mean “New Members”),

    I can’t wait to meet you, whoever you are. I’m sure you’re really nervous and can’t remember my name but that doesn’t bother me. Right now, we are all proud of you for committing to the responsibility of carrying on the tradition of our sorority, and proud of ourselves for recruiting you fine young ladies.  We’ve just come back to reality from the highs and lows of work week (high: the CRO gave us Cosmo’s pizza one day; low: we danced for almost 10 hours a day).

Everyone’s tensions were really high and that caused some friction between sisters.  It was discouraging to see the hostility around the house, but then I thought about why I joined this sorority. What is it that made me want to commit to these women and stick through the hard times? There’s not just one answer. It’s comfort, trust, positivity, and happiness. These are things this sorority guarantees me.  These are things that I hope you too will get from this sorority. 

Another very important thing you will receive from your sorority is friendship. Don’t take this one for granted.  I understand that there are so many new faces and that it’s extremely intimidating. We throw all you ladies together and expect you to become sisters right away. It seems scary but just make an effort to get to know the beautiful and fun women around you and eventually it’ll be second nature.  It’s a good idea to stay close with your pledge class and to befriend everyone so cliques don’t form. It may seem difficult to get to know your sisters fully before you move into the house. I found that after about a week living in the house I knew everyone’s name that previously had been slipping my mind. I also began to feel at home hanging out casually with each girl in my pledge class.

Another piece of advice I would like to pass along to the next pledge class is this: do not be timid around the older girls. We aren’t monsters! Yeah we’re probably much cooler than you (right?!!), but we were in your shoes just one year ago. We still remember how it feels to be you. We love our sorority as much as you do and we want you to feel at home here.  Try to interact with the older pledge classes as often as you can.            

Remember that we chose you. We worked very hard during the summer to perfect just how we were going to have you join our family. Don’t forget the reasons we chose you and don’t forget the reasons you chose us. There will always be a place in this sorority for you and I hope you choose to fill that place with everything you are and everything you wish to become. 

Sincerely, Your future big!