Initiation season is upon us. I figured with all the festivities going on, it would be beneficial to look back upon what it is actually like to be a freshman or new member. Amongst the new events, formal dinners, and meetings, life can be stressful for the first few months. I have found that the journey to from being a new member to becoming a fully initiated sister is much like Princess Mia's journey to her throne.
1. Recruitment
This was the time where you pulled out all of your cutest clothes, shoes, and smiles. You skipped breakfast in order to apply five coats of mascara and straighten your hair, only to find that the outside world is one million degrees. If you were anything like me during senior year, this was a big change to my morning routine. But was it all worth it? OF COURSE. (See #2).
2. Bid Day
Your recruitment stress was finally over once you received your bid card to your new home. Bid Day is the best day of the year, where you get to meet all of your new friends and sisters. There are t-shirts to be worn, food to be devoured, and pictures to be taken.
3. Becoming the most popular in the chapter
Now that you are a new member, older members are going to come up to you constantly and asked the three basics: name, hometown, and major. Having gone through recruitment, you have already mastered this routine by now.
4. Auditioning for Shows
Most schools have a variety of ways for Greek organizations to be involved on campus. At Oklahoma State University, Greek shows are one way, and they are a big deal. As a new member, auditioning for a show might seem intimidating or scary. But even Princess Mia loved to sing, so you might as well go for it! Might I suggest singing, "Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket".
5. Coke Dates
Coke dates are when the men (usually freshmen) of a fraternity take the new members of a sorority on a casual "date"-like activity such as to get a Coke (hence the name), tie-dye a shirt, or have a shaving cream fight. Depending on the personality types of the two individuals, things can either be a little awkward at first, but hey, you might end up meeting your new best friend.
6. Acting like a Lady
Joining a sorority will teach you many life lessons. Your mother may have tried to teach you these lessons for years, but you were always busy with other teachers. Now is the time to learn how to properly sit, eat, and even snap(?)
7. Finding a Date-or not
Formals, date parties, functions. All of these events are fun to attend, especially when you have a date. But finding a date your first semester of college can be tricky since you might not know very many gentlemen. Don't be afraid to just go with sisters or even friends outside of your chapter. These events are all about having fun. Take lots of cute pictures and be safe!
8. Meetings
As a new member, you will be required to attend a numerous amount of new member meetings. But these meetings will help you become adjusted to how your weekly chapter meetings will go. Make sure to bring a planner, pen, and a good attitude to these, where you will learn important information about your chapter and what is to come.
9. Playing Intramurals
Intramurals are a great way to become closer to your sisters. Even if you did not play sports in high school, feel free to sign up to get scrappy on the football field with your newest friends. And who knows? You might find that you are actually more of an athlete than you think.
10. Getting Ready in 15 Minutes
During your time as a new member, you will be required to attend certain events or meetings that will require a specific dress or outfit. You might have to shorten your time to get ready due to a busy school schedule and change in an unconventional way. ("You should wear stockings, not tights"-The Queen)
11. Finally Getting Initiated
The time has arrived! Congratulations, you are now a fully initiated member. Welcome to the sisterhood. Welcome to the rest of your life! SHUT UP! ("Here it could mean 'Wow, gee whiz, golly wolly'").
