Dear Freshman Considering Recruitment,

Two years ago I was entering my freshman year of college. I didn't have many friends at my university going in, but my roommate was one of my best friends from high school. I had this crazy thought that I would make super great, close friends in my classes that first semester. I also thought my roommate was making the wrong decision on choosing sorority life over medical school (her mom was willing to pay for one or the other). Everyone kept trying to pressure me into signing up and at least checking it out but I had my mind set that that lifestyle just wasn't for me.

After my friend went through recruitment and found her chapter I kind of started questioning if maybe I should have gone through with her. I started to see how much she was getting involved on campus and going to events. I began to see how I could actually fit into this lifestyle and it honestly surprised me. Finally when spring semester started I decided to do something out of my comfort zone and go through spring rush. The second I received my bid from the one chapter I fell in love with my life began to change.

I found my life long friends just a week after joining, but didn't actually get close to them until my second semester. I took on a challenge by participating in Dance Marathon and this year will be my third year involved in the event. I took on a leadership role and learned how to be a leader and a friend simultaneously. I started doing better in school. I changed my major because I was inspired by my sisters. To this day I am always striving to become a better woman because of my sisters. They make me want to be a version of me that I and everyone else can be proud of.

If you are about to go through recruitment this fall or are considering rushing don't feel like you have too. Don't settle with a chapter because you feel like you have to join your first semester of freshman year. Sometimes you have to take on college first and then decide if it is what you want. I am happy I waited. Some people are happy rushing that first semester. Other people are happy never rushing at all. Whatever you choose just remember, you have a choice, and you have a voice. Be you, be positive, don't think you have to rush because your friends are, and don't settle because you feel like you have no other option. Everything happens for a reason.

Good luck and I hope you find your home away from home, whether it is this fall, spring, or next fall.

Sincerely,

The girl who originally didn't want to rush