I remember walking fast to the Johnson Center, dodging all the people who were in my way between me and my bid. That was the day that all 300 plus girls were going to run to their new homes after a long and tiring weekend. I came in late since I had a class during part of this time and was slightly nervous because I was really torn between two sororities. But when I opened that envelope and seeing the bid from Gamma Phi Beta, my face curved into the biggest smile for I had found my new home.
At our bid day party, as we walked over to the HUB toward our designated room, our Beyoncé themed party was underway with music blasting as we entered, pictures being taken with the letters, and sisters welcoming us new members with warm hugs and smiles. Our shirts were clever and went along with the theme saying, "G Phi, we put a bid on it." It was also great being able to rekindle with the sisters that I had talked with during recruitment, and meeting new ones was just as incredible. This was the start of my new sisterhood and I could not wait to begin.
It has been two weeks and it already seems like everything has been thrown at us new members, but in a good way. We had our first new member meeting, where we went over the standard beginning procedures and facts and then following directly after was our pinning ceremony and formal chapter. During chapter we were told about the events that were right around the corner: such our Krispy Kreme Donut fundraiser, where all of our money raised went toward our philanthropy, Girl’s on the Run. Our donut fundraiser was such a success that we sold all 89 dozen boxes within our time frame. Another huge event that was emphasized was our annual Casino Night that is held this year on October 13th. This is where we hold games and host a live auction to raffle off items to anyone who participates and again all of the proceeds go toward our partnership with Girl’s on the Run.
But being a new member is an exciting time and I have been told to get ready to be spoiled. I have already gone on a few coffee dates with sisters and my crescent cousin has given me my first Gamma Phi Beta shirt that I adore it since it has boat on the back with a cute saying and I am obsessed with the beach. During our time as new members our crescent cousins are here to guide us and in a way act as a "temporary bigs", while our beta buddies are sisters we get to meet up with and possibly go on lunch or coffee dates with in order to branch out with more sisters in the chapter.
Growing up with two older brothers, I never had the older sister figure in my life. Now I am able to call the girls of Gamma Phi Beta my sisters, which is a privilege and I cannot wait to see for not only this year has in store for me, but my future in college and beyond. These next couple of weeks are going to seem long since we are not initiated until the middle of November, but I know in the end, the entire process will be well worth it and I will proudly be able to call myself a member.
