Two words: Rush week. The first thoughts that come to mind? To be honest, I could not even tell you. Coming from a person who had absolutely no idea what they were getting themselves into when walking through the doors of formal recruitment this past September, I had experienced far too many emotions to recount. I made an extremely last-minute decision to attend DePaul’s Panhellenic Fair a week prior to recruitment, and I am blessed to say that it is one of the best decisions I have made.

Of course, there were nerves and plenty at that. On the other hand, there was an incredible thrill of taking part in the rush process. Entering into a lifestyle that I knew nothing about was so intriguing to me that I simply had to find out for myself what all of the hype was about.

Needless to say, I am beyond grateful that I did so.

As days went by, I was beginning to find myself placed in a continuous loop of hours where I began simply repeating my story and values in hopes of finding my place within the groups of wonderful women I was surrounded by, but I was particularly inspired to find that I found a true connection with the Delta Gamma Fraternity.

Each day that I stepped foot into their rounds, I felt nothing but positivity radiating throughout the walls of the room. I had nothing but genuine conversations with each of the women that I spoke to and felt fully engaged in their presence. I was especially moved by one of Delta Gamma’s three philanthropies, Service for Sight, an organization that works to help those who are visually impaired. This philanthropy struck a chord with me in an extremely real sense due to the fact that my father has been greatly affected by visual impairment. It was at that point that I knew I wanted to be a part of something greater-to work to support those who have been forced to deal with issues similar to that of my father, as well as surround myself with a group of women that I can learn from and grow with.

It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to be a Delta Gamma.

This past weekend, I was ecstatic to have finally been initiated into DePaul’s Eta Pi Chapter of the Delta Gamma Fraternity. As the rush process itself was exhausting yet exhilarating, as well as all of the work that was necessary in order to achieve acceptance into this fraternity filled with high ideals and respectable goals, I truly could not be happier to have found my home here in Delta Gamma. As for the women that I have met throughout my time as a candidate for initiation, I am proud to say that the amount of love and respect I have for them is vast, and am even more proud to call them my sisters. It has been a pleasure to surround myself with these kindhearted and beautiful ladies. I look forward to years of memories to come. The journey is just beginning.