Going through recruitment was a whirlwind of crazy and smiling and loud talking. Eventually, I finally found my home, and I haven’t regretted my decision for a second. Throughout my time as a new member, I learned many things that I am sure all current members will agree with. I hope all PNMs will read this too. 

1. Even if you don’t know their name, if you see someone wearing your letters walking down the sidewalk, you wave frantically saying something like “Hey Girl!”
Once I joined my sorority, I was shocked by all of the people who were now my sisters that would wave at me and say hi to me by name. I always felt so bad that I didn’t know their name back. Within time, I soon learned most of my sister’s name, but there is still the occasional, “Hey Girl!” comment when I slip up. 

2. When you join a sorority, as tempting as it might seem, do not go crazy buying t-shirts online with your letters on them.
My debit card took a huge hit once I joined a sorority. I was constantly buying anything and everything that had my letters on it. Then philanthropy events came up and Big-Little and homecoming and quickly I had more shirts than I could possibly need. 

3. Going along with my last point, you do NOT need to buy every single item of spirit wear that they offer.
Our apparel chair is the best and designed so many cute apparel pieces, but by buying everything, my closet became more full, and my debit card started crying again. You can pick and choose, and if you do not get one shirt, it is not the end of the world. 

4. Your Big will become your best friend.
I knew from pretty much day one that I wanted her to be my big. Little did I know, she would quickly become super important to me. She cheers me up, gives me advice, takes care of me, spoils me and can always make me smile. As an only child, it is nice having a big sister that I can always count on. Plus we always take the best insta pics together. 

5. Your pledge class will become super close by the end of your new member period.
Starting off, I was close to a few of my pledge sisters. Through new member meetings and hanging over the weekend, I started to get to know a majority of them. By the end of the new member period, we had a fireside chat where we shared our life stories. I respect my sisters so much more now, and I am beyond honored to be able to call them my friends too. 

6. Being in a sorority will change you for the best. These ladies are your new family.
They will support you if you are in a different organization. They will push you to be a leader. They will challenge you to get the best grades that you can get. They will force you to be more social and open up more. They will teach you what not to do and give you advice one what to do. I know that I am not the same person I was before I joined, but I am so thankful for all of the growth I have made this first semester in college.