Rush, in the words of Queen Bey, can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare. You spend a week trapped in a room, standing for hours on end, talking about anything and everything, and hoping that you find girls who you want to be your sister. Even if you have an amazing rush committee (like I do), rush is nothing short of draining. The most exciting part is that, at the end of this arduous process, you have a group incredible, beautiful girls who are excited to join your sisterhood and thereby become a part of your life. For these girls, in the haze of post-rush procrastination, exhaustion, and elation, it can be hard to see the good right away, but it is important to remember just how amazing a sisterhood is. Senior year is about being nostalgic, so here are a few pieces of advice for all the sweet new members who have an amazing sorority career ahead of them.
1. Some of these girls will become your best friends
Yes, it is cliche, but you are a part of this group of women for a reason-- you belong with them. That being said, the beauty of a sorority is that, on bid night, you are immediately gifted with a bunch of new friends. I know it's early, but as time goes on you will discover the girls, whether they are actives or fellow pledges, that are genuinely some of the best friends you will ever have. These are the girls who will stand by you when you get married, who will bring you soup when you're sick, who will laugh and cry with you, and who will tell you that orange just isn't your color. Sisterhood is powerful, so dive right in.
2. You get out what you put in
The earlier you learn this, the better. If you truly want an all-encompassing, rewarding experience, make sure that you really play an active role in your sorority. Don't be passive when it comes to your participation unless you are just looking for another group to stick on your future resume. I know how taxing it may be, but investing yourself in your sisters and all the aspects of a sorority will ultimately give you the best experience.
3. Don't hesitate to acknowledge a girl crush
Throughout my time in my sorority, I have not had a shortage of girl crushes-- just absolute admiration for some amazing girl who happens to be a part of my sisterhood. Whenever you find yourself dying to be friends with that one super cool girl in your pledge class, the amazing genius in your chem lab, the fashion killa you always see on campus, or the perfect human that hangs out with your big, go ahead and fully acknowledge your adoration. Go on a coffee date, go run errands together, or just sit in the caf with them instead of stalking their social media. Pretty much every time, they'll be just as excited (and obsessed) as you are.
4. You are a part of a legacy
Being in a sorority means being a part of something so much bigger than yourself or your chapter. You are joining a group of women that stand for values that have been unchanged since their founding over a hundred years ago. You are joining a group of women dedicated to philanthropy, friendship, and the betterment of women. It's crazy to think about, but there are women of all ages scattered across the country (and the world) who share your sisterhood, and you are sharing in the legacy and reputation that they set out to build.
5. When the times get tough...
Sometimes being a part of a sorority is taxing; you have to relearn time management in a way that ensures balance. I totally understand that when you have a big test or paper, the last thing you want to do is sit in a big room for a chapter meeting or attend a philanthropy event, but always remember to lean on your sisters for whatever you need. They are quite literally in your same boat, and they understand how exhausting it all may be. The same goes for any time you are feeling low. These girls are here for you since they're practically your home away from home.
6. Cherish every minute
As my career as an active member starts to dwindle, I realize more and more every day how thankful I am for this experience. It may be cliche, but it's true-- these girls will change your life. In the past four years, I have grown and changed so much, and I have my sorority and my sisters to thank for taking such a large part in that. Make sure you relish every moment, big and small, and remember to occasionally stop and look back at all that you have accomplished along the way. Hopefully, as a senior, you too will get teary-eyed as you think about parting with these people. Best of luck! Go crush these next few years, and welcome to the sisterhood.
