1. Be patient, the life-long bonds will come eventually.
I had made it through recruitment and was beyond excited when bid day finally arrived. I ran home to the sorority that I fell in love with and nothing could bring me down. That is until I saw all the active members of my new sorority and the wonderful bonds that they shared. It was clear to me that my new sisters really cared about each other. It was great to see their bonds but I immediately got nervous when I didn’t fit in on the very first day. I was afraid that I would not have bonds like theirs. I spent my new days as a sorority woman waiting to meet my new best friends each time I went to an event. The problem is that NO real and lasting friendships are created easily. You don’t go to bid day and come out with a hundred new best friends. There is still a long and exciting road ahead of you. You will have plenty of time to get to know your pledge class as well as the active members of your sorority. Please don’t get frustrated when you don’t find your person right away. Because heck knows that I did not find my best friends right away. It took patience and lots of effort. Put yourself out there and see the best in all of your new sisters. Slowly but surely you will begin to see the life-long bonds begin to bloom. It’s a year later from my bid day and I am still falling in love with my sisters every day. With so many amazing women in my chapter, it’s a great surprise when I better get to know another person, and my list of friends always grows. If you don’t fit in right away its okay, if you try and are patient you will feel at home just soon enough.
2. Be there for other people.
Many of us go through recruitment thinking off all the wonderful things we will get out of joining a sorority. We think about how we will become better women. But after a year in my chapter I realized that instead of thinking about myself, I should think about what I could bring to the table. What can I do for my sisters and how can I be there for them. My experience got all the better when I found ways to be a supportive and selfless sister. Because, if you are there for everyone else and are selfless without caring if others notice, you will feel much more fulfilled. You were chosen to join your sorority because you have something amazing to offer your new sisters. When we are selfless we are truly able to gain more from the world around us. Don’t get me wrong you will gain things, but don’t always focus on yourself.
3. See the best in everyone.
Sororities are filled with strong, inspiring, and diverse women. We are not all supposed to be identical. Our differences will truly make us all better people; that is why when you meet a sister that seems really different from you, don’t question it. You don’t have to be best friends with every girl. However, you should appreciate their differences and always be respectful. There is a reason that you are all in the same sorority. You may be different, but at the end of the day your values are the same and you all aspire to be better versions of yourself.
4. Show up for events.
It can be really hard to show up to events, after all, you are a new girl and you don’t really know everyone yet. But how are you going to meet your sisters if you don’t show up? Put yourself out there. Change your nervousness into positive energy and just show up. Chances are you are all nervous. These events are opportunities to get to know your new sisters and start building your life long bonds.
5. Care about and respect your letters.
You now have a connection with strong and inspiring women all over the country. You share values and letters. These letters that have been built up for years now belong to you as well. They come with great responsibility; you have the opportunity to make your organization stronger. Remember to wear them proudly and always aspire to be a better you.
