It was March 26, 2011.  I was a senior in high school.  With only two and a half months left before graduation, I was in the process of making all kinds of life-changing decisions.   Being brainwashed from birth, I knew I would be attending Oklahoma State University.  And with an older brother involved in Greek life, I was anxious to see what it had to offer me as well.  So, I signed up for Greek Discovery Day. As I entered Gallager-Iba Arena that day, I became increasingly overwhelmed.  Hundreds of girls (and boys) swarmed the concourse where smiling faces greeted the curious high school-ers.  Some girls were in dresses, making my jeans and sandals look a little shabby.  I was really quite unsure if Greek life was for me.             
My mom and I then attended an informational session about the recruitment process including the appropriate attire for each day.  The presenters assured us that we did not need to go and buy a whole new wardrobe.  But, did I really have all of that in my closet?  Were my clothes really acceptable for the process?             
Soon, we were split into groups to begin touring houses.  I was then forced to meet people, as I didn't know anyone in my group.  We ended up touring half of the houses and talking to the other half.             
I will never forget the time the doors opened at the first house I visited.  As the doors opened, the girls began singing and I almost laughed out loud.  I had no idea what was going on.  While I found the singing a little strange, I began to enjoy it as we went from house to house.             
And then we arrived at Chi Omega. As our group began walking into the house, we were paired off, one by one.  I greeted the house mom, the recruitment chair and the president.  And then, I was introduced to the girl who would be “recruiting” me.  “Hi, I’m Holly!” she said. She led me into the den and we began the typical recruitment small talk.  But, I really liked this girl.  She was down to earth.  While I was very overwhelmed with the day, she was relaxed and made me feel at home in this strange new world of college and Greek life.   Holly and I only talked for a few brief moments before another girl took her place.  Yet, (little did I know then) those few moments would change my life forever.             
Fast forward a few months later to recruitment.  While GDD was overwhelming, recruitment was traumatic.  Okay, maybe it wasn’t that bad.  Nonetheless, it was a lot more difficult than GDD.  About five months had past since GDD.  Yet, when I entered Chi Omega on the second day of recruitment, I met a familiar face.  Yep, you guessed it – Holly.              
Once again, she was the girl who made me feel at home.  She helped me realize Greek life is more than what it appears.  She assured me Greek life was more than beautiful girls in pretty dresses.  It meant accountability.  It meant support.  It meant life-long friendships. 
Throughout recruitment, I saw Holly a couple more times.  And when I ran to Chi Omega on Bid Day, she was there to welcome me home. While Holly meant so much to me during recruitment, she came to mean even more as I became a new member.  She was my first “Owl Pal” and became my Big a few months later.              
Why do I share this story with you?  Well, this weekend is GDD.  For those of us who have been in Greek life for a while, it is just another day.  In fact, it may seem like a hassle.  Yet, for the juniors and seniors visiting our little world this weekend, it could be the day that changes everything.              
Saturday is our day to shine.  So, put a smile on your face and show those high school students what Greek life at Oklahoma State University is all about.