When I went through recruitment, I was so focused on the fact that my cheeks hurt from smiling non-stop and that I was sweating through my dress that I was paying little attention to anything going on outside of my own little bubble. I walked into each house thinking “Wow, everyone here is perfect” and “don’t trip, don’t trip, don't trip.” So while I was busy admiring the amazing houses and eyeing the thresholds trying to snag my heels, I hardly even thought of what was going on behind the scenes.

Now, I am an initiated member of an amazing house, and as the fall semester approaches, I cannot help but think of the future pledge class of 2016. I had so many questions (this is such an understatement, I had somewhere around 8 million questions) before rushing, and there were girls there to help me and explain the process. So, for every potential new member, girl considering rushing or any girl who doesn’t think greek life is for her… this is for you.

1. We love you already

Look. I know this sounds super cheesy and maybe a little weird coming from someone you haven’t met. But honest to gosh, we really do. The girls in my pledge class of ’15 are so excited to get our littles, we’ve been saving up to spoil you for months. We’ve been collecting t-shirts to give you since the second week of school, talking about you for two semesters and planning big-little reveal in our heads since we had ours. So trust me when I say that you will be loved. When you walk through our door during recruitment and you see 300 smiling faces bouncing and clapping and singing, it will be hard to believe that they all have thought about you, want you and love you already. But they do.

2. Resumes and recommendation letters are not required, but I would highly recommend them

I would highly recommend sending in a resume and at least one recommendation letter. Like I said, it’s not required. However, it does give the chapter a chance to love you prior to actually meeting you. You want to make a great impression before you even walk in the door? Rec letters, baby.

3. You don’t need to do anything crazy to get our attention

You don’t need to go nuts and order the whole chapter flowers or send us all cupcakes (these things really do happen); I promise that if you are meant to be here, you will be! Don’t worry about going overboard to impress anyone, be you and you’ll be put where you should be.

4. Greek life is not all boys and booze

Listen up — this is really important. My chapter is the most diverse, fun, inspiring, smart group of girls I have ever come to know. And I know for a fact that every other chapter at this school would say the same thing. So if you're entering into Greek Life because you just want a group to go out with, you may want to try another path. Sororities are dedicated to service, scholarship and to each other. We know how to have a good time, but it not the number one thing on our minds. So before you rush, assess why you want to do it.

5. There is absolutely no reason to be stressed and embarrassed during recruitment

We get it. It’s August, it’s 104 degrees outside and you are a sweaty mess. Honestly, we probably are too. That bouncing and chanting may look cute and simple, but I kid you not, it is a workout. We are smiling through our own kind of pain. Please don’t ever walk into a house worried that they’ll write you off because you’re sweating off your makeup or your hair is a greasy mess. We’ve all been through the same experience. I promise you, nobody is judging. Remember, these are your potential sisters, and they already love you.

6. Be confident. You are awesome

We want a girl like you. You want a house like ours. It's a match made in heaven. Now enjoy recruitment; it only happens once.