Hi baby squirrels,
Welcome to Alpha Gamma Delta. To pledges of other sororities, congratulations for finding your homes, too. It’s so strange for me to think that a year ago, I was in your shoes, both excited and terrified about starting this brand new adventure. I had wanted to be a part of my sorority since I was in fifth grade, but that’s not the case for everyone. I do want you to take a minute to breathe and relax knowing that the madness of sorority recruitment has ended, and you are safely placed in the hands of your new chapter.
As I said, this time may be exciting, but it can be very overwhelming and, frankly, terrifying as well. Everyone is trying to stand out for their new potential bigs, everyone wants to seem cool and fun to hang out with, everyone is trying to find their place and figure out the dynamics of how this new social group works. As sisters, we want to get to know you better, but I remember being worried as a pledge that this whole “sorority thing” would eliminate the other parts of my life, take me away from my other friends, and suck up my time like a giant glittery vacuum.
Dear sweet, sweet pledges, relax.
You rushed a sorority for a reason. Maybe it was to find some people to party with, maybe it was to make strides in a philanthropy that strikes your heartstrings, maybe it was to find a bond with girls because you didn’t have sisters at home. Whatever your reason was, though, don’t forget it. Don’t let societal expectations overwhelm you. If you didn’t join to go out, then stay in and watch The Bachelor with a sister. If you didn’t join expecting to be bombarded with eight girls trying to talk to you at one time, then go get some Chipotle with one girl. If you didn’t expect to be going to new member meetings or investing so much time in the pledge process, then take the time to go see your other friends and do what you used to do. Especially consider speaking with your Pledge Mom or a different sister about it. We’re here, and we want to help you.
You’re not going to lose yourself in a sorority. Movies and TV shows portray Greek life in a way that is not typically realistic. You rarely see movies about sorority sisters bringing you soup when you’re sick, helping you study for that big test in the library, or picking up the phone at 3 a.m. when you’re crying and need someone to talk to. Sororities are beautiful, but this is a transition period. We don’t want to change you; we want to adapt to welcome you and make you feel at home, the same as was done for all of us. Many of us are on executive boards of other clubs or have jobs; you can do it successfully, too.
If you’re having troubles with one, two, or even a handful your fellow pledges or initiated sisters, just know that it’s okay. It’s just a rocky time, and there is plenty of time to get to know people better and iron things out. There is plenty of time to get to know other people in your new chapter. Things get better; they really do.
Don’t get scared that the sorority isn’t for you, because you received a bid for a reason. We liked you. We still do. We are so thrilled that you are becoming a part of our sisterhood.
Love,
An Initiated Sister
PS: If you’re not having trouble, that’s great as well! We’re excited to have you, and we’re ecstatic that you’re happy and having a good time!
PPS: Hazing is not a thing here either. You can really stop worrying about that. We want to love you, not hurt you.
