First off, WELCOME! You have just signed your bid and are about to start your new member process! It is a great few weeks and you are going to learn so much. Along with learning about the chapter and growing with your soon-to-be brothers, there are a few things you need to be aware of before walking into this commitment.
This Isn't Animal House
If you are walking into this thinking it's a party 24/7, this is not the place for you. Now, I am not saying we've never partied before, because we would all be liars if we said we hadn't. However, we are still a collegiate organization. We strive on the ideas of accepting others and striving to be better men.
It's No Longer About Just You
You are now representing your chapter. When people look at you from now on, it will no longer be, You made the mistake. It will be, Your chapter made the mistake. Sometimes that is very scary, sometimes that can be a very great honor. Take great pride in it. You are representing so many different brothers and sharing the same values with so many different guys. When you finally initiate and see it all, you will understand why those letters you wear on your chest mean so much to us.
It Will Never Always Be Smooth Sailing
Times are not always going to be exciting and fun. With a chapter, there are going to be some things that are going to cause an uproar - such as removal from chapters, standards meetings, and other difficult events. There are going to be times you will want to give up and quit. Just know that you are going to be okay. You will not be in love with the chapter all the time. But, just like life, it is not perfect. You will get out of it what you put into it.
Respect Ones Who Don't Share Your Letters
Your best friend isn't in your chapter? That's okay. Be respectful and open with them. Just because they don't share the same ritual and letters as you do doesn't make them any less of a friend than before they received them. Some guys won't be as respective and open. But they are trying to show their love for their chapters. Just be really respectful of others' organizations.
Your Brother = Biggest Supporters
You brothers are going to be your biggest support system through college - from helping you edit your papers, to coming to watch you be involved outside of the chapter. They will be there for your better times, when you are on top of the world, and they will be the ones to keep your head up when you have hit rock bottom. Be there for them, too. There will be times you need to lend an assisting hand to your brothers and stand by them. It will become second nature.
Still don't know what you have just signed up for? It's okay. You are in your new member process. This is the test drive. You are going to learn a lot about Greek Life. You are going to get an awesome guy as your big brother to help you with anything throughout the chapter, and you are going to initiate and finally go through and see all of the chapter values and rituals. Don't be afraid; love and respect your brothers. You are in for awesome ride.
