In the college's eyes, I am a Junior, but its only my second year in college. After this year, I will only have one more year until I graduate. However, I just rushed and joined a sorority this semester. Because of this fact, I think that my experience as a new member is completely different from a freshman new member.

Here's the plus to being an upperclassman when you join a sorority: you don't have to go through the insanity that is understanding college. Coming to FGCU last year, the first few months were a whirlwind of trying to figure out everything. I had to find out where things were on campus, what organizations to join, which classes to take, which advisers to see, how to schedule work, how to shop for myself, the list could go on and on and on. That being said, I don't think I could have handled juggling a sorority on top of all that (props to freshmen rushers).

But this year, I had no struggle of finding where my classes would be or how to set up my schedule. I also don't have that fresh feeling that comes with moving away from home, that mix of freedom and terror, its normal to me now.

The one thing that I do feel is hard about joining a sorority as a second-year student is connecting with my pledge class. Most of my pledge class are freshmen. This being said, there are a lot of things that they are going through that I am not. Yes, I can sympathize and give advice because I was there only a year ago but it's not the same. I can't complain about the same things or enjoy all the same things. To me, the thrill of having a pool right outside my dorm has worn off, the annoyance of loud dorm neighbors is just a thing, I'm used to college life.

Also, because I don't live in freshman housing, I miss out on a lot of things. When a group of girls decides to have a movie night at 10:30, I'm already in bed and don't want to drive across campus, so I miss out on that bonding experience. Its just bit harder to make those quick bonds.

All this being said, I am so glad I rushed at FGCU this year. Yes, my experience is different but if you are thinking that rushing as a freshman would be too much for you, then I highly recommend waiting a year. By waiting a year, you will understand yourself as a college student more and it will be easier to know if you can make that commitment. All in all, I am incredibly blessed and proud to be a part of my sorority and have connections with so many amazing girls!