If someone would have told me in August of sophomore year that I would be in a sorority two short months later, I would have laughed. The thought of rushing had never crossed my mind. Ever.

I was busy with marching band, I had great friends and my calendar was overflowing. There was no way I could add something else to my plate—especially Greek life.

Then, I had dinner with a good friend of mine, Abby, who lived down the hall from me freshman year. Abby and I caught up on all things summer, the first few weeks of class and then started talking about life in the AOII house, where she was living. Abby raved about AOII and her new friends—she also kept stressing about how much I would love it and fit right in!

"No, no, I am so busy." "I am really not into the party scene." "I don't think I am right for 'Greek life.'" I told her repeatedly.

Buttttt she gave my phone number to the VP of Recruitment and I got a text a month later… "Hey, Amanda! This is Sarah from AOII! We were wondering if you'd be interested in meeting up for coffee sometime and if you're still interested in joining the house!"

My first thought… "When was I interested in joining the house?"

Second thought… "What did Abby get me into?"

Third thought… "There's no way I'm going through with this."

So, I told my mom about it on the phone later that night and she convinced me to try it out! "Just go get coffee. You can always say no later," she told me.

Well, that was my exact plan. But, I went to coffee, and I completely clicked with the girl! We talked about country music, sports, our brothers, the suburbs, our classes, mutual friends! It was great! Aaaand I guess that's when I started "informal rushing."

I got a text that night inviting me to dinner at the house the next day. I went, and I got a bid! AOII actually likes me? And I like them? WHAT?! A total turn of events.

I signed the papers, was added to group chats, started to make friends, put "aoii" in my Insta bio, got my Big (ABBY!!!) and was initiated a few months later!

I never, ever, EVER thought I would be in a sorority. But, I have learned it is nothing like the movies. Instead, I met a great group of girls to do homework with, go to basketball games with and make late-night fro-yo runs with. My perspective of Greek life is completely different now.

I completely surprised myself. Sometimes these surprises end up being exciting and lead you down paths you would have never imagined. I encourage you to try something new, embark on a crazy adventure, do something that you always say "no" to. You might surprise yourself.

Amanda Brennan

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