Being in a sorority is an adventure from start to finish. Whether you're going to the meetings, attending the events or just hanging out with your sisters, it is a huge part of your college experience. Choosing to rush a certain sorority isn't a decision you can make lightly. The sorority you join will influence your time at college, and your sisters will become some of your closest friends. My time in my sorority has been a journey filled with laughter, tears, and love. Here are the top ten things I learned along the way!

1. You will be crazy busy

Being in a sorority can't be something you do part time. During rush there's a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Even when you're an active member, you still have weekly meetings, events, and philanthropy hours that you must complete. It may be tempting to ignore the meetings and skip the events, however, you get what you put in. College is the only time when you'll ever experience being in a sorority, and it's important to make the most of it!

2. Be supportive!

It's unimaginably encouraging to receive a hug or a supportive word from a sister. In the same way, you too can encourage your sisters! Just being available for your friends lets them know that you love them and have their backs.

3. You don't have to be best friends with everyone, and that’s OK!

During rush, most sororities are guilty of saying the same thing: "We're all so close, we're each other's best friends!" While it's great to get close with your sisters, it's important to remember that you will not be best friends with every single girl. You aren't a failure if you're not everybody's best friend. It's OK to not be friends with everyone.

4. However, you do have to be nice to everyone

Be the girl that people notice for her kindness. You may be in situations where you have to spend time with people you don't always love, but it's important to show people the love you want to be shown. Be kind (not fake), and be the bigger person.

5. You should go to the parties!

College is a short period of our lives. Its a unique period in our time at school which we may never experience again. Some nights it may be easier to hole up in the dorm and study, but it's worth it to go to the party. Just remember to be responsible and do your work too!

6. Don't get involved in the drama

Sororities are full of girls in their late teens to early twenties. Things can get dramatic super quickly, but don't get involved! As hard as it may be, don't insert yourself in the drama and don't spread the gossip. Even though you are one as a sisterhood, you don't have to participate in the drama.

7. Focus on the people you DO like!

Don't get hung up on the people that aren't nice, instead, spend your energy on the people who are. Hang out with people you like! Don't waste your energy on things you can't change, instead, spend your time with the people you love.

8. Learn good time management skills!

Learn to prioritize and manage your homework, that way you're not stuck with a huge paper the night before it's due. In college, falling behind can happen at the drop of a hat, and catching up on homework can be ridiculously hard. By learning good time management skills, you can prevent any late semester meltdowns.

9. You will learn good communication skills

Nothing can teach good small talk skills like talking to 200 girls in one night. Learning to talk to all kinds of people is a vital skill to have when you're in a sorority. It can help you form relationships and get to know people better, which is what being in a sorority is all about.

10. You will make some of the greatest friends of your life!

The girls that you pledge with will become some of your closest friends. The late nights, early mornings, and study sessions spent together will bring everyone closer. Your new sisters will become some of your closest girlfriends.