Dear new members,
Congratulations! You've made it through recruitment, and we're thrilled to welcome you into the Greek community. You're about to embark on a journey that will bring you best friends and make you into a better person. You're going to create so many wonderful memories and become part of something so much bigger than yourself. Your life is truly going to change; so many doors are going to open for you!
It's been three years since I opened my envelope on bid day. I remember how excited I was to finally join a sorority and get involved on campus in a way I'd been looking forward to for so long. I'll admit, it was a bit overwhelming at first for the older members -- nearly 100 of them -- to greet me and add me on social all at once, while meeting and getting to know my fellow new members at the same time. But it was great. I felt so loved.
The bonds continued to grow, and I developed even more as we gained more new sisters. I am always amazed at how much we care for each other. These women have supported me when times were tough and cheered me on when things were good. From having classes with sisters to hanging out on the weekends, I've had many great times with these women. It's hard to believe that in a few short months, I will no longer be on campus with them.
Over the last few years, my sisters have taught me a few things, too. I'll share a couple of them with you.
You don't need a title to be a leader. One of the great things about Greek organizations are the countless opportunities to take on leadership roles and develop those skills. However, you do not need to be an elected officer in order to make an impact in your chapter. Chapters succeed when all members put in the effort; what you put into your sorority is what you will get out of it. You can start making a difference and sharing your ideas from the day you join!
Don't lose sight of your values. Sometimes, it's easy to get caught up in the social aspects of Greek life. We are social organizations, but we do and are so much more than that. We give back to our communities. We push each other to do better in school. We form deep, meaningful relationships with each other. We're built on values, and we want to live up to them every day through what we do and say -- and we want to continue passing down these values for generations to come.
Although your sorority journey has just begun, new members, be sure to soak it all in and cherish every moment. Before you know it, your last semester will be here and you'll be wondering how it all went by so quickly. Soon enough, you will become the ones sharing your wisdom and experience with new members. And remember, while your college days will only be for four years, the bonds you make with your sisters now will remain for life.
Sincerely,
A nostalgic and jealous senior.
