To the new members of my sorority:

I remember being you all too clearly. I remember the excitement: the Facebook and Instagram notifications from sisters, the rush of bid day, getting a list of all the events. I remember the giddiness. You know? That smile you can't knock off your face even when the phone cameras are put away. I remember the slight fear and anxiety: Will everyone like me? Will this all be too much on my plate? Did I make the right choice?

I'm a senior and I still remember being you, and this is what I want to tell you.

Stay excited and stay giddy.

Sorority life is a roller coaster. Enjoy the ride, the whole entire ride. Enjoy the nights you dress up and go out with your sisters, enjoy the days of sisterhood bonding, enjoy the Netflix nights, the coffee dates, the pictures, the retreats, all of it. It'll end quicker than you think, so don't take a single moment for granted. Take far too many pictures, fill up a whole Facebook album (it's possible; the limit is 1000). Make sure you take the time to get to know everyone, even if it's just a little bit. Have fun. Go out, then hit an event in the morning with your sisters with your Venti coffee in hand. Have a day at the zoo. Participate in Greek week, actually participate in everything, and get a leadership position while you're at it.

Don't be nervous or anxious.

Your sisters love you already and you ended up right where you're supposed to be, and while that may not be 100 percent clear to you right now, it's true. Recruitment is funny that way; a lot of people don't end up where they intended to go, but everyone ends up where they're supposed to be. You will never regret signing your bid.

You will find a family...

You will not be best friends with every sister; that's impossible, there are too many of us. But you will find your niche. You will find where you belong. You will find your best friends, your future roommates, your future bridesmaids. You will find the girls who will help you through your best and worst moments. You will find the people you can be yourself with, your amazingly weird self with. You will find the people you couldn't imagine living without. You will find a family.

But here's what's most important...

Remember when your sisters took you into their arms during bid day and hugged you so tight? They're never going to let you go. They will be there to help you study for that exam. They will laugh with you. They will cry with you. They will do crazy things with you. They will be weird with you. They will be there to help you get over that dumb boy. They will be proud of you for your accomplishments. They will be happy for you and your good news. They will love you through your hardest times. They will help you to get through any loss or pain. They have your back for now and forever. You guys may fight; all sisters do, but they will always be there when you need them most. Their love is unconditional. Remember that. They will love you when you don't feel very lovable and they will stand by your side.

Why am I telling you all this? I'm a senior and my time in this chapter is coming to an end. You are our future and I want what's best for our chapter, and that's all of you knowing all of this. It's you guys knowing that this experience? This privilege to be a part of a sisterhood? It's life-changing, it's inspiring, and it helps you be the person you were always meant to be.

So, to the new members of my sorority. Cherish these moments, love your sisters, and know you just made the best decision of your life...it's been the best decision of mine.

Love always,

Your senior sister