Going through sorority recruitment is something many girls consider when they first step foot on their college campus. You might think, Is it right for me?Is this something I'd enjoy? Recruitment can be intimidating. Walking in to several houses full of people you don't know and striking up conversation isn't the easiest thing. Some people decide going through recruitment during freshman year isn't for them, and that's OK. That's exactly what I did.
I waited until I was a sophomore to give joining a sorority a go. Like many others, it was a lot to take in when I first came to OU and with recruitment being so early in the school year, I didn't think I was ready. But luckily there's always a chance to join later.
For sophomores and juniors considering going through recruitment this fall, here's some advice from a girl who also decided to wait.
Give it a chance.
It might turn out that being in a sorority isn't right for you and that's perfectly fine. But you'll never know if you don't try. If you're considering it, why not do it!
It really isn't too late.
So don't tell yourself that it is! All of the sororities are accepting of older girls going through recruitment. It isn't just for the freshmen. It isn't too late to join, but don't be late to any recruitment activities. It's important to be prompt.
You're not the first to do it.
Plenty of girls have joined their sophomore and junior years. Don't think that you're out of place. They know what it's like, and hopefully you'll get to talk to some of them at different houses!
You'll have to remind people that you're older a lot.
Chances are the majority of your pledge class will be freshmen. People will just naturally assume that you're a freshman too, but you can gently remind them that you aren't. Don't let being one of the few older girls throw you off. I'm so grateful for my pledge class sisters, and some of them are my greatest friends.
You have an unique experience.
I'm not saying that freshmen don't get an unique experience too. What I mean is that older girls, from my experience at least, have a great ability to not only have close friends in their pledge class, but also can create close bonds with sisters their own year. So much friendship.
Be ready to make the best memories.
These will be the best few years of your life! There really is nothing like sisterhood and creating lifelong friendships. There's always someone around to do something with, a shoulder to cry on or someone to celebrate an accomplishment with.
After going through recruitment, it might turn out that your sorority has been what you've been looking for all this time, which is so exciting! All of the stress, joy and tiredness will be so worth it. Enjoy the process and let it guide you. You will end up exactly where you should be.
