Starting college, I figured I wouldn't rush into joining a sorority right away. I thought I would wait to see how my first semester goes. I wanted to see how hard my classes would be, how much free time I would have and how well I can get involved and make friends without it.
My first semester was spent at Florida State University. I didn't rush, but my roommate and suitemates did. They thoroughly enjoyed it so much and would always talk about how much fun they were having and all the upcoming activities they had. I felt like an outsider to their conversations and it got to a point where they were never even around anymore. They were always so busy, making a million new friends and going on socials. I got very lonely and I found it hard to make friends alone that I was able to get close with. They either all already had their "group" of friends and didn't except new people or they were in a sorority and didn't want more friends. I reached out to a bunch of different organizations to join and get involved in but they never reached back out to me. I spent days and nights alone at the gym, going to class and watching movies in my dorm room. Yeah, I had those friends in my classes that I would sit with but we never hung out outside of class.
I don't regret not rushing my freshman year because I was able to excel in school, get good grades and figure out what I wanted to get out of the next three years of college. Not rushing helped me figure out Florida State University wasn't for me and I needed to transfer. I got accepted to the University of Central Florida again and that was my next top choice. I don't think I could have made a better decision to leave and come to UCF. I got to live in an apartment, not a dorm with my longtime friend from back home. Once I got settled at UCF I knew I needed to rush a sorority just to experience and learn what the hype my old roommates raged about.
Sophomore year started with rush week. I went through the entire process and ended up at what I consider the best choice for me, Delta Delta Delta. Within the first week of school I already felt welcomed, loved, and like I have found a second home. I could feel the acceptance and friendliness that came from all the girls. I started going out more, going on socials, and putting myself in different situations that I never thought I would be comfortable doing. I made so many close friends from all different sororities and fraternities as well that it made the transition of transferring and starting a new school easier for me. I knew multiple people in my classes, I had gym buddies and friends to go to Publix with at 11 p.m. at night. I couldn't ask for a better college experience now just because I waited to listen and see what would make my college experience perfect; what would make it the best four years of my life.
I don't regret starting at FSU because it showed me exactly what I needed to feel happy being away from home. I am more than happy at UCF and I couldn't have imagined all the accomplishments and memories I have made. I can't wait for what's in store for the next two years.
