Joining a sorority can seem scary at first, but going through recruitment was the best decision I ever made. Here are 7 things that you know to be true because you are a sorority woman.

1. Your entire wardrobe has your letters stitched, sewed, glued, ironed or pressed on.

And not only that, but your sorority colors are everywhere to be found. Being a Tri Delt, my closet is full of silver, gold, and blue, along with a lifetime of triangles. My backpack even has my letters ironed on it. I often get asked if I get bored wearing my letters, but how could I? I made memories in these shirts, so why not wear them to show my chapter pride?

2. Philanthropy = Life

Whether it’s Girls on the Run (Gamma Phi Beta), Autism Speaks (Alpha Xi Delta), or my favorite- St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital (Delta Delta Delta), every sorority has a philanthropy that they are obsessed with. Weekends are spent raising money, spreading the word, and talking to anyone willing to listen about why you love your chapter’s cause. After all, the first step to making a difference is finding more people to care.

3. Stereotypes. Stereotypes everywhere.

No matter what university you attend, what sorority you are in, what part of the country you live in, stereotypes will follow you. It could be that you only care about partying. It could be that you’re only there to get you MRS. Degree. Or, it could be that you’re rich and have never had to work a day in your life. Don’t let these horrible stereotypes get you down. You know who you are, so why let other’s opinion of you change that?

4. Recruitment is the most exhausting two weeks of your life.

First, you have Work Week. A week full of bonding activities for the whole house while preparing to welcome in a crap ton of Potential New Members (PNMs) into our house. You wake up early to spend countless hours making sure everything is perfect for recruitment. Next, is Recruitment or Rush Week. To me, this is one of the most exciting times of the year. You get to meet so many amazing women, some of which will become your sisters! There is no better feeling than that! Well, maybe sleep. Because you definitely need sleep during these few weeks.

5. Bid Day… The Christmas of Sorority World

Bid Day is here! This is the day where all of our new members run home to their new sorority. It’s full of happy tears, lots of hugs, and a day full of fun activities so you can get to know your new pledge class. This is where you meet your potential littles, your future chapter leadership, and of course, your new friends. Bid day is where it all starts!

6. You’re obsessed with your Big/Little.

This year, I was fortunate to get two amazing littles! Looking back, I don’t know how I lived without them. Oh right, my big! Your Greek family is what keeps you sane all those months away from home. They’re the younger sisters you never had or the older sister to kick you into shape when you need it. They’ll always be there for you because, let's face it, they’re initiated. (Shout out to the Frat House Fam).

7. Initiation, Dun Dun DUUUUUUUN

Actually, it’s not all that scary. Although you can’t reveal all of the secrets you learn, you grow to love your house even more. You learn exactly why you became a member and you realize that you can’t picture yourself anywhere else. Suddenly you are a sister to thousands upon thousands of women in the country. I love knowing that Farah Faucet, Elizabeth Banks, and me, a young woman from small town Washington, all went through the same initiation. It honestly sends shivers down my spine. Initiation is a time to connect with your sisters and realize what your chapter is all about.

We all joined a sorority for different reasons, but we stayed for the amazing memories we make with our sisters every day. I am proud to say that I am a Tri Delt at Washington State University. I am proud of our Greek Community. I am proud to be a sorority woman.