“Always know that you are more than enough. You are precious, unique and worth being adored, cherished and treasured!” - Kandee Johnson

Sorority recruitment is one of the most fun, yet nerve-wracking, experiences you will ever experience. It is full of so many memories, some of which revolve around stress, while the other ones give you a whole new meaning of the word "fun." There are numerous advice columns on the internet that strive to lead girls in the right direction, hopefully enabling them to make the most out of their week. More often than not, stereotypes and assumptions are made about sororities, but I want to make it known that there is so so SO much more to a sorority than you realize. From humbling philanthropic events to having a group of reliable young women to hold you accountable, being in a sorority has blessed me in copious ways. Before being able to access these wonderful doings, you do have to take on the most emotional, but even more rewarding, week known as the infamous rush week.

There are numerous advice columns that are quick to tell everyone their version of what you should and should not do as you take on this stressful week. Sure, there are some tips that are almost always applicable to every single person reading along. One thing that I would have loved to see during my rush week was just a simple letter of encouragement. With that being said, I made it a point to take some time to write a small passage before rush week starts, in hopes that it will hopefully calm someone’s nerves. I may have to throw a few do or do not points in there, but my objective is solely to convey a message to the girls out there who are constantly searching for the self confidence that will help them take on their future endeavors. Even if it is just one person, everybody deserves to feel loved during this hectic week and be reminded that they are SO much more than what is on their bid card. It makes me happy to think that I have the opportunity to possibly brighten someone’s week, so hopefully this article will lift the moods of some very anxious girls who happened to stumble upon this.

Right now, in this very moment, wherever you may be, you are here for a reason. There is a specific plan uniquely designed just for you that is incomparable to any other plan you may have for yourself. For some of you, going through recruitment may be one of the meaningful experiences God has in store for you, and for others, He may have other plans that lead you down another plan that you have never dreamed would be present in your journey through life. One thing I want people to realize before they go through rush is that you are so loved. So, so stupendously loved. You are worth so much more than what a group of girls may or may not think of you, and trust me, you will end up exactly where you belong. One thing that I learned was that the sororities are so big and full of so many awesome girls. You are BOUND to find a friend group that is better than you can ever envisage. This is where you will meet your future bridesmaids, best friends and the girls you will never be able to imagine your life without. Of course it was stressful for me, but the light at the end of the tunnel is more than rewarding and is such an imperative incentive to keep pushing forward.

BE YOURSELF! Seriously. Why fit in when you have an exceptionally easy way to stand out, and that is by being your everyday self instead of molding to the cookie cutter stereotypes in order to gain approval. It is ironic that we feel lonely and scared during this week, when in reality, this week embodies probably the most positive attention you will ever have on you in your life, thanks to all of the Red Bull-fueled sorority girls who are bowing down to you and striving to make you feel as at home as humanly possible. Everyone is fighting for your presence. I mean, you might as well enjoy it! Keep this in mind -- each girl you encounter has gone through the exact same draining process you are about to undergo and they all know just how anxious you are when you enter their house. Keeping things in perspective is crucial to embodying a positive mentality throughout this entire excursion. No matter where you end up – God WILL provide. He has a plan for you that is much greater than anything you have ever dreamed of, so look at this week as a way to start a new chapter of your life that is going to be unquestionably metamorphic. It WILL be okay. You are wanted. You are noticed. You are so, so worth it. Your approval is worth so much more than your week of recruitment, whether it works out in your favor or not.

WE are in charge of choosing our attitudes for this time period of our lives, so we would be imprudent to not make it the best college experience humanly possible. This will in no way determine your whole life. You WILL meet countless great, well rounded girls. I cannot imagine my life without the constant encouragers in my life that I have met and now call my best friends. You have the special opportunity to make a difference through your philanthropy. There is no reason not to cherish every moment! Replace your stress with positive apprehension about the fun to come. Get to know all of the girls that God has placed in your path this week, because, once again – they are here for a reason. They most likely will not even be in the same sorority as you, but I can think of a few girls I coincidentally met during the week whose small acts of kindness gave me that boost I needed. The benevolence of a stranger is absolutely impeccable and it amazes me how God undeniably graces you with the presence of certain people right when you need it, even though you probably did not realize this at the time. Although it may not make sense at all right now, we know for a fact that His plan surpasses all. How cool is it that God has the ability to bring any type of person to this planet? And he made YOU. He handpicked you, creating each one of us exactly how we are. YOU were deemed worthy enough to live a life some people would die for. Do not let a girl’s opinion of you or the end result of your week determine your self worth. You are on this earth for a purpose, and in the grand scheme of things, this is one week out of your life. It in no way determines you. Let this week be a growing experience. I cannot say this enough, but if you only get one thing out of this article, please remember – YOU ARE SO, SO LOVED. You are exactly how you are for a reason. Every one of these sororities would be more than lucky to have YOU be a part of their group of girls, all so uniquely amiable. Have a great week, it will all pan out exactly how it is supposed to. Remember to put things in perspective and find the good in everything. Deep breaths, sweet pea. Now - go show them what’s up.