At this point in the semester, friend groups have often been established. While that can be a great thing, it also puts a lot of pressure on what's looming ahead in many young women's minds: sorority recruitment. You may have your heart set on a certain chapter, while others are convinced another is a better fit, and it can be frightening to imagine getting out of your comfort zone and going a different house than your friends. If you're planning on participating in sorority recruitment, here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you work your way through the crazy process.
1. Joining a sorority should expand your friend circle, not destroy it.
It’s understandable to worry that you may not remain close to your friends if you rush a different house, but in reality, joining a sorority, while a large part of your college experience, is not the only part. Sure, there may be specific events that you only attend with your sorority sisters, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spend time with friends from different chapters. Have a formal on Saturday night? Get dinner with other friends that Friday. Your relationships with outside friends will remain strong as long as you continue to put effort into them.
2. Friends are not always sisters.
It’s important to have a diverse group of friends; it’s what allows you expand your perspectives and keeps life exciting. However, when joining an organization like a sorority, there are fundamental principles and values that connect all of the women involved. Each sorority is different and places value in different aspects, and so you may be a great fit for one that your friend may not be. Sororities are in no way made up of cookie cutter individuals and can represent a wide variety of personalities, but what ties those women together may speak to you differently than it does other friends.
3. Having friends outside of your own sorority can be refreshing.
I love spending time with my sorority sisters, but hanging out with friends outside of your sorority can sometimes be a breath of fresh air. Hearing about other things going on around campus lets you get out of your bubble. I live with two girls that are in different sororities than me, and it’s great to be able to go home and be surrounded by different perspectives and experiences.
4. Your journey is personal.
Recruitment, both the week itself and the semester leading up to it, can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. You may be experiencing pressure from a friend to join a sorority that you don’t feel is a great fit or feel anxious at the thought of rushing a different house and not knowing anyone there. During this intense period of time, it’s important to take some time to explore what it is that you value and think about which house best represents that. You will still be friends with those who rush a different house, and if you choose a house for the right reasons, you’ll form incredible friendships you never would have experienced otherwise. Ultimately, as cheesy as it sounds, trust your instincts and be true to yourself and you'll find your way home.
