To my new sorority sisters,

Welcome home. After a week of long days, blisters, a few awkward conversations, and sleepless nights, I am so excited to finally be able to call you my sister.

When you first signed up for recruitment, I imagine you felt the same emotions I once felt; you were nervous because you didn't know what to expect, you were excited because being in a sorority was something you had always dreamed of, and you were anxious to open your bid card and run home. You may not realize it now, but one day you will look back and realize how one small envelope holding your bid card changed your life for the better.

As a sister who was once in your shoes, I am excited to tell you that you are about to embark on some of the most amazing, memorable years of your life. As you transition into this new chapter of your life, I have a few words of advice to help you out.

1. Wear your letters proudly.

When you tore through the small envelope and saw your bid card for the first time, you immediately became a part of something bigger than yourself; you became a part of a sisterhood with hundreds of chapters worldwide (we can't forget about Canada) and hundreds of thousands of active members and alumni combined. Being a part of this sisterhood is no small task, as it is a blessing and a commitment for the rest of your life. You are a reflection of our amazing sisterhood, so be proud of your letters and be proud of the place that you are so lucky to call home.

2. Be yourself.

It sounds cliché but it's so important. Your sisters extended you a bid because they loved you for who you are and saw you as a perfect addition to their sisterhood; you are perfect.

3. Attend as many events as you can.

I understand how busy Greek life can be and I know firsthand how important it is to step back from time to time and have time to yourself. While it's important that you balance your classes and a little R&R from time to time, try and attend as many events as you can. From sisterhoods to socials to formal to date party, being in a sorority provides so many opportunities to hang out with your sisters and make lifelong memories. Greek life is so much fun and attending some of these optional events will help you become closer with your sisters and in a few years, you will be able to look back on all of the fun things you got to do and be a part of.

4. Get involved.

Being in Greek life is an amazing opportunity to get involved. The future of your chapter is in your hands, as it is with every pledge class year after year, and you have the opportunity to change it and keep improving it. Whether you're eager to become chapter president or lay low and join a committee, every member in your chapter is important and every member makes lasting contributions that only better our chapter and make it stronger. Perhaps you'd like to get more involved with Greek life and take on a position with the Panhellenic council; there are so many ways that you can get involved in Greek life and make a positive impact on the community.

5. Understand your sorority's history.

While it's understandable if you don't know every small detail of your sorority's history, at least know its values and its founders. Why was your sorority created? What did your founders believe? What is your motto? It's so important that you know these things because they are the foundation of your sorority and its creation. While we all joined sororities for different reasons, we all relate in the fact that we joined to make lifelong friends and be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Staying true to the founders' ideals is what unites us with hundreds of thousands of sisters worldwide.

6. Make a difference.

Being in a sorority gives you the amazing opportunity to positively impact your community and the world through multiple fundraising events every year. Use your platform to do as much as you can to better the world around you.

7. Appreciate every moment and never take them for granted.

While we've all heard the saying, "It's not for four years, it's for life," some of the best experiences within your sorority will happen during your college years. These are the years that you have minimal responsibilities and can just have fun, live your life, and make everlasting memories with your sisters. These are the years that it's acceptable to pull all-nighters and order pizza at 4 a.m. These are the years that it's acceptable to skip an 8 a.m. and go to a darty. These are the years that your sisters will be able to drop what they are doing and pull an all-nighter with you in the library to keep you company and help you stay motivated. These are the years that your sisters are only a phone call away and a few blocks away. These next few years in your sorority will be some of the best of your life, and they will contribute to some of the most cherishable memories you will ever have; appreciate every moment and never take them for granted.