As we approach the middle of October, pledge class 2014 is preparing for perhaps what is one of the most special times in their Greek lives - Initiation.
Of course, every chapter does things a little differently, but universally there are rules that every sorority woman must follow during this process.
Similar to recruitment, the “no boys, no booze” rule applies during initiation, and no matter how much you dislike it, there is a very good reason behind it. Initiation is something that separates you and your sisters from any other chapter, and is meant to be something that you will remember for the rest of your life. This time is special and nothing should come between you and your sisters.
No matter how much you may disagree, the rules are necessary to ensure you get the most out of your experience. The main purpose of them is to help keep your focus on sisterhood.
You need to concentrate on the bond that you and your sisters share. It is your time to reconnect with your sisters and your pledge class, whom you have been getting to know for the past two months. There is nothing more rewarding than losing the title of “new member.”
That is why you joined your chapter after all, right? Not because they had the nicest mansion, but because from the minute you stepped through the front door you could tell that you would get along with every single one of them. They would be your second family and your support system throughout college.
Initiation is that special experience that reaffirms why you joined your chapter. The older members know how great it feels to finally be fully welcomed into your sisterhood, and they want nothing more than to share it with you. Now that all of those new member education sessions are over, you know your sorority’s history like the back of your hand, you can proudly claim the status of “initiated member.”
You get to finally experience ritual just like everyone in your chapter, and be brought closer to some of the most important people in your life. Until you experience it, you may have a difficult time understanding why all these rules exists, but you’ll inevitably see that it's worth it in the end.
You’re building onto a legacy that has existed for hundreds of years, and that’s nothing to take lightly. One weekend away from the frats is not going to kill you. You have the rest of your college life to go to parties and meet guys, but you can only be initiated once, so make sure you make the most of it.
