When you think of sororities, you may think of the stereotypes that movies tend to put into your head. Although I am a sucker for a cheesy college movie, those stereotypes do not apply to the sororities at Mississippi State.
Walking into recruitment alone, I wasn't sure what to expect. The day I moved into my dorm, I had a meeting with my Gamma Chi which was our group leader for the week. We had the chance to sit down with her and ask her questions on what to expect for the upcoming week. The first two days were the days we got to meet each house for the first time. Each girl I spoke with from each house was so incredibly sweet. One of the rumors I had heard was that sorority girls would be rude to the girls rushing i guess to somewhat intimidate them. What I've learned from my experience is that each sorority wants you, just as much as you want them. They want to make a good impression just as you do.
The next two days were philanthropy and sisterhood day. These two days you get to talk to the girls a little longer and you really get a better understanding of what they're passionate about. You learn about their philanthropy and their values they look for in a sisterhood. One of the best things about these days is that you get to see how diverse each sorority member is when it comes to their passion and values. Another stereotype most people think of when they hear the word sorority is that they party nonstop and are boy crazy. Although sororities do have many opportunities to party, they never lose sight of why they are apart of their sisterhood in the first place. And when these girls do have a chance to go to parties, they will more than likely take that opportunity to bond with their sisters even more, rather than going off with guys. They're always finding ways to grow closer together as a sisterhood.
The fifth day is preference night. This is the night you get to speak to the houses the longest. By this time you probably know which house you are leaning towards or have somewhat of an idea. There isn't anything too specific to talk about this day, but this is your chance to thank that house for inviting you back. As bold as it may seem, it is perfectly okay to tell a house that you want to be apart of their sisterhood. And as for the other house, you have the opportunity to thank them, but respectfully say that your heart belongs to another house. And after all of that, everyone is ready for the next day: bid day.
Everyone knows this is the most exciting and most nerve wracking day of them all. After starting recruitment in the morning all week, at MSU they hold bid day in the afternoon. This of course builds the tension and makes it even more exciting when you get to open your bid. Imagine around five hundred girls all screaming at the same time when opening their bid. It's definitely an experience. After that, you'll find your bid day buddy, take some really cute candid pictures for instagram and run to your new home. Different houses celebrate that night in different ways, but you're guaranteed a great time bonding with your new sisters.
Movies and rumors over the years give sororities a bad name and this prevents incoming freshman and transfers from taking this great opportunity. Over this past week, I've made so many new friends that I probably wouldn't have met if I hadn't gone through recruitment. It was so important to me when coming to Mississippi State that I found friends to surround myself with that bring out the best in me. These girls I have met this past week radiate positivity and passion, that it's so hard to explain the feeling I get when I'm around them. And the best part about this sisterhood is that is lasts forever. So if you are on the fence about rushing, from the wise words of Nike, just do it. If you get half way through the week and realize it is not for you, there's nothing that says you can't dropout! But it is better to try it and realize it isn't for you rather than regretting it later.
