There are some perks to being an only child: there's no sibling rivalry, you learn to be comfortable around adults, and you get lots of personal space. But only a week after sorority recruitment, I wouldn't trade my Alpha Chi sisters for the world.

My rush experience at Elon was one of the longest, most unpredictable, yet rewarding experiences of my life. I had known I wanted to join a sorority since I was a little girl, but as the reality of recruitment set in, so did the anxiety. I wasn't sure what to expect, and the thought of having long conversations with strangers was daunting, no matter how much I practiced or prepared.

Although I wanted to go into rush with a completely open mind, I already had an idea of where I would fit in. Although the conversations ran smoothly in most of the rounds, other conversations were surprisingly forced in chapters where I expected to fit in. I was surprised to find that the house which immediately captured my love and attention was one which I hadn't considered before which brought out the best in me, no pre-round rehearsal required.

It was that house which I kept gravitating back to, up until the very last round. On Bid Day, I shamelessly screamed when I opened my card.

Accepting a bid from a chapter which I never expected to connect with has not only given me a new family but a better sense of self as well. My sisters naturally brought out my best personal qualities, the ones which my closest friends get to know, or I didn't know were there myself.

It's easy to find a sorority based on first impressions, but more it's important to find a home where you can be your most authentic self.