Let's get one thing straight, I love my sorority, I love my sisters and trusting the recruitment process led me (in my opinion) to the best house and the best chapter. However, I went through recruitment with a rose tinted opinion. I thought when I joined, every single one of my sisters would be my best friend, there would be no drama and my future bridesmaids would already be on the alter--remember what I said, rose-tinted. One thing needs to be made clear, there is no “one type” of girl that joins a sorority, contrary to popular opinion; not every sorority girl is blonde, blue eyed and comes from a rich family — that is what makes joining a sorority so great. The different personalities, the different lifestyles, and the different opinions, is what makes the house you choose, unique and perfect for you. Even though sorority life is one of the best ways to meet new people and develop relationships, the reality is a sorority is a large group of girls and there is going to be drama, there are going to be disagreements and there are going to be setbacks between you and your sisters. One major reality that I wish someone told me before I went through recruitment, is that there is no way you’re always going to get along with every sister all the time -- just like any other social situation.

I love my sorority, I love my sisters -- even the ones that I don’t see eye to eye with -- and going through recruitment introduced me to some of the most admirable and inspirational people that I get to call my sisters. However, I (like many of you will) went through recruitment with rose tinted lenses. Having high expectations of finding your best friends right away, finding your future bridesmaids instantly and immediately having 200-plus closets, is a great mindset to have — but take it with a grain of salt. As you future sorority members consider going through recruitment, understand that you are going to be part of a sisterhood and "sister love" is what it truly is all about. I never had a sister or a brother before so I didn’t know what “sister (or brotherly) love” meant, but now I know that even with all of the different opinions, personalities, backgrounds and disagreements, "sister love" means you’re sisters will always have your back, even when you don't expect them too -- even when they may not be your best friend. As you sit at your computer this summer signing up for recruitment, please ask yourselves these three questions as you embark on the stressful, glitter-filled and wonderful process of finding your home:

1. What do you want out of a sorority?
2. Can you look up to the women in your house and see them making you the best version of you?
3. Can you forgive, forget, accept and maintain "sister love"?

I hope you all find your home, but most importantly, I hope you get the opportunity to feel the magic I felt and continue to feel, every day when I proudly wear my letters.