With sorority recruitment coming up, I hope each and every girl finds her home. Whether she’s a transfer student who does not know anyone quite yet, or a freshman looking for involvement, I wish all of them the best of luck. It is a nerve racking time, but it is also an experience you will never get back. So enjoy it, and rock it!

I never thought I was the sorority type—you know what I mean. The typical sorority girl the movies stereotype. But going into my sophomore year of college, I was not exactly sure I fit in. Of course, I had friends, I had fun on the weekends, but something in my life was just… missing. I spoke with a few girls I knew from my major, one from my hometown, and even a few girls who were going to be rushing as well. After a few days of pondering it over, I thought, “What the heck, if I do not enjoy it, I am only out $25” (that’s how much registration cost).

Then came recruitment weekend. I was excited, but extremely nervous. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Three words come to mind when I think of my experience: loud, chaotic, and enjoyable. It was amazing talking to hundreds of girls and thinking, “Wow, she could be my sister” or “I could see myself being great friends with her!” But as the two weekends wore on, eliminations were made, sororities were dropped, and girls were disappointed. I was lucky enough to make it to Pref Night, which was amazing. I laughed, I cried, and I cried some more. Making that decision was incredibly difficult. But eventually, I knew I had to make one, and I went with my gut.

Opening my card on Bid Day, my hands were shaking. I felt as if I could have thrown up all over my Rho Gamma. Wouldn’t that have been a sight? I read the words on my card, and tears instantly filled my eyes. I hadn’t read what I wanted to—I was reading my second choice. While most girls were crying with excitement and out of joy, I was crying because I was disappointed. I didn’t feel good enough because my first choice apparently didn’t think I was. I decided to give it a chance because unlike so many girls, I at least received a bid. So many others would have been so thankful just for that opportunity, so I felt selfish and foolish to turn it down. So I kept an open mind. Through the next few days, which turned into weeks, which turned into months. I had made so many friends, even found the BEST big I could have asked for, yes I know every girl says that, but she was right for me; we were, and still are, two peas in a pod. But even with all the fun and excitement I was having, something just didn’t feel right.

Over Christmas break, I did a lot of thinking, and a lot of crying. I had a huge heart to heart with my big before I told anyone. The first chapter meeting back after break, I had made a decision. I asked my chapter President if I could meet with her after chapter and talk. I went into her office already crying. I explained to her that at that given point in my life, I could not keep my commitment to the sorority. We were having some family health issues, ones I’m not ready to write about yet, and I couldn’t be the sister I was supposed to be and be so dedicated to my family at the same time. I felt as if both were full-time positions, and I had to choose one or the other. Mentally, physically, emotionally I just could not commit all of my time to both. Unfortunately, I decided to drop my sorority. A decision I still have mixed feelings about.

Now it’s the start of my junior year, and I still feel as if something is missing. I miss all of my sisters, and even though I stay in touch with some of them, it’s not the same. So for any girl who opens her bid and doesn’t see her top choice, my advice to you is to keep an open mind. Instead of being upset that you didn’t receive your number 1, be thankful for that number two who wanted YOU as their number one. Being a part of a sorority is a truly amazing feeling, one you won’t find anywhere else. Keep an open mind, be thankful, and most of all, be happy. Always show them the girl they clearly fell in love with- enough to make you a sister. Stick it out, or you may end up regretting it like I am.