Member Class '17,

You did it! You survived Recruitment Week. You all are finally here, and I am beyond excited. This is the very beginning of a sweet, sweet sisterhood. The beginning of a family. The beginning of new people, new friendships, and new memories. I want you to know that you have been anxiously awaited by all of us.

We have counted down to Bid Day since last semester, and we are so happy to have you as the newest additions to our chapter. Your member class has been prayed over for weeks, and we will continue to pray over, and pour into you. You have just started a beautiful journey that has no real end; as you embark on this journey, let me give you some advice.

Some of you have known that you wanted this chapter for a while, some of you may have been expecting something else, but this week changed your mind.

It would be naive of me to not acknowledge those of you who probably expected to be in a different house. No matter what your situation was, you are here today because we love you. We saw something in you that we admired. Maybe it is your creative abilities, sense of humor, passion for your major, the desire to make a change - whatever it is that we see in you, that is a large part of why you are where you are.

With that being said, don't worry about feeling like you have to impress us, or having to one-up anyone. We are already impressed by you, and we already love you for exactly who you are. That is why you were selected to join our sisterhood. This is now your home too, and in our home, you are free to wholeheartedly be yourself. I highly encourage you to take advantage of that, as our differences help us grow together.

As your new sisters, we have a responsibility to you, that I take very seriously. You know have us on your worst days. You have shoulders to cry on and people to hug you tight when you are feeling down. You now have hundreds of girls to reach out to when you are feeling upset or discouraged.or on the flipside, maybe you have just had a great day and you want to share that with someone. That is what we are here for.

Now that you are home, step out of your comfort box. Don't just stick to who you know, because this time last year, I did not know the majority of the girls who I call my best friends today. We are each different, and we all have different things that we bring to the table. Meet a sister who is completely opposite from you. Maybe she thinks differently that you do, or maybe you are from totally different sides of the continent, don't worry about it.

Odds are that every girl in your member class is feeling as goofy as you may feel right now. You are all still figuring out who you will sit with at lunch, or who you will talk to in the house. Let me assure you that whatever table you sit at to eat, you are going to be loved on. Don't overthink things, and don't worry that you don't "belong," because no one belongs here more than you do.

I hope that you gain as much through your sisterhood as I have this past year. I encourage you to meet as many new sisters as possible, and dive into those friendships. This is your place to learn and grow, and I hope that you always know that we have your back. We are here to encourage you and keep you accountable.

You have the ability to accomplish your wildest dreams these next four years. This is your new home, and your new beginning. I could not be more thrilled that you are embarking on this incredible journey.

Welcome home sweet sisters