Dear Incoming Freshmen Ladies,

Welcome, to a hectic week full of small talk, nerves and memorable porch songs you’ll have permanently stuck in your head all day long. The week that will create one of the biggest impacts on your college lifestyle and allow you to find your best friends.

Yes, ladies, I am talking about rush week.

Going through rush was something I was not initially sure I wanted to do. I had a preconceived notion about what sororities were all about. You know exactly what I mean. The typical “we’re all sisters who are all stunning, always happy, barely do school work and party all the time” stereotype.

I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to keep up with this stereotype.

As my first day of rush began, I looked around me. There were so many girls rushing, all so effortlessly pretty and skinny. I saw that a lot of girls wore Tory Burch sandals and Kendra Scott necklaces, while I stood to the side wearing my beat up, white converse paired with ankle-high, black, Nike socks.

Instantly, I got insecure and wondered if I would even be cut out for this sorority life. However, things began to change once I entered the houses and began talking to the women of the house.

During even my first few rounds of rush week, I was able to quickly make connections with all the women I talked to. I also learned that each sorority has a different philanthropy that the women of the house work to raise awareness and money for.

I also learned about house GPA and the importance of keeping up grades. This is important to me, given that I’m on a scholarship at school. I quickly came to realize that the sorority stereotype was just that--a stereotype.

I met some really down-to-earth women who have a great sense of humor and passion for their sorority.

As the week continued, it became a bit stressful. I was in the midst of deciding between three different, incredible houses, all with humbling values that I was personally affected by.

On the last day, I did break down a bit. It was hard to know which house would be the perfect fit for me.

In the end, I went with my gut.

By listening to that gut feeling, I was able to find my home and looking back, now, I know I made the right choice. I have loved my first year of being involved in Greek life, and I have met the most extraordinary women.

While rush can be overwhelming, the outcome of it will be nothing but rewarding. You may be wondering, what should I expect during rush?

There will be nerves, indecisiveness and maybe even tears. But, like I’ve said, once it is all over you’ll have found your home away from home.

Being able to find that home is such a satisfying and comforting feeling. To have a bond, an official sisterhood so instantly, is incredible. Coming from someone with no sisters who always wanted one, I felt like I had found my family.

How does one survive rush week you may ask?

Going into rush, I was completely clueless. Some girls researched every tip and trick there was to know about having a successful rush week.

To me, personally, I don’t think a successful rush week should be determined by which houses you rush. I think every girl rushing has a unique experience that allows them to meet women that they connect with through all different houses.

Connection is important and that, my friends, is what makes a successful rush week.

Another piece of advice I can give is to be confident! It’s easier said than done, but trust me on this. You’re going to be around a lot of ladies this week. You may start to feel insecure around them, and that is totally fine.

Just remember, it’s not a competition. Everyone has qualities that make them unique and perfect in their own way. Try to remind yourself of this and remember a little confidence goes a long way.

Last key thing, be yourself and listen to your heart. Don’t put on an act just to impress a certain house. If you don’t connect with the women of a certain house, then that is completely normal.

You’re not going to fit in with every house, and that is okay.

It just means that house wasn’t the right fit for you, but your home is still awaiting you.

Don’t disregard houses because they're not the houses your friends have connected with. If you feel like a house is right for you and could potentially be a home, go with that gut feeling. You’ll be happier with yourself in the end, spiritually, emotionally and mentally.

I can full-heartedly say this has been one of the best choices I’ve made so far in my college career because it has led me to my home away from home and to my absolute best friends, the girls who I know are going to be my bridesmaids one day.

Happy rushing! Trust me, you won’t regret it.