Deciding where to go to college is a major step in life. But, let me be the first to tell you that you’ve already taken a step in the right direction by choosing the University of South Carolina as your home for the next four years. So what’s next? The real question is, what isn't next. You're going to become involved in so many amazing things during the next four years.
Inevitably, you’re going to hear about Greek life. The excitement of rush and recruitment will surround you in just a few short months. Whether you’ve grown up dreaming about sorority life, don’t have the slightest clue what to expect during recruitment or are still questioning if it's right for you, please give it a chance.
Coming from a small town in Connecticut, I had no idea what to expect. I had always heard stereotypes such as, "Greek life is just paying for friends," and I never knew what to think of it. But then other people would tell me about their sororities and how they found their best friends ever and I would just sit there and wonder how it all happened so magically. Honestly, a part of me still wonders how the process is perfected the way it is, but as cheesy as it sounds, the whole “Trust the process” motto everyone says is spot on.
Day one of recruitment, I walked into my first house of the day absolutely shell shocked by the noise level and overwhelming amount of welcomes. Not going to lie, it was definitely weird at first, but certainly an experience like no other. The more houses I went into, the more I began to fall in love with the whole process. Of course, the only reason I was so excited through it all was because I knew I was going to find my home. And like everyone said I would, I did (thanks, Chi Omega).
But what does finding "home" really mean? It means having a huge group of girls to call sisters, but more importantly, finding the people who make you a better version of yourself. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s true. Sorority girls have such a bad reputation for being spoiled, dumb and a plethora of other adjectives that are unlike anyone in my sisterhood. These could not be further from the truth. Surrounding yourself with positivity and encouragement is absolutely key during your college career. It’s truly incredible to be surrounded by a group of sisters who are passionate about philanthropy, sisterhood and scholarship, among many other things. Basically, there's nothing that your sorority can't help you with. Whether it's deciding which professor to take or trying to find a decent hair stylist in Columbia, your sisters have your back always.
Rushing a sorority at the University of South Carolina is more than I would’ve ever expected. Never did I ever think I would've found girls who get me like my sisters do. I didn't think anyone liked to slide movie quotes into a daily conversation like I did ... boy, was I wrong. Real sisters are the ones who laugh with you about stupid decisions or provide a completely judgment-free zone when you decide to go back for a third piece of garlic bread at dinner. I never imagined I would find a group of people I fit in with so well. It seems everyone doubts themselves a little bit during the recruitment process, but in the end, everyone always ends up in the exact spot they're meant to be in.
It feels like just yesterday that I was anxiously awaiting each round with my Pi Chi group, and it’s absolutely unreal to me that an entire school year has gone by. I can’t imagine my college experience without the amazing people that I have met through USC Greek life.
Let’s go baby Gamecocks, come find your own home in Greek village!
