When a new sorority chapter comes to campus, the signs are just about everywhere. They table in the student center and coerce you to check them out. I never thought a sorority was in my future until I researched mine and the motto resonated with me.

After going through an insanely hard breakup from an emotionally and psychologically exhausting relationship, I felt the need to surround myself with like-minded women. Being interviewed by women in HQ wasn't nearly as intimidating as it seemed, but I had no idea what would come next.

Not everyone in your pledge class stays (not even your own twin).

This is a hard lesson to learn because it hurts. You bond with girls over all the trial and error, but some find it just isn't for them and that's okay. You can still be friends with them, of course.

You might feel like you don't fit in with the other chapters on campus.

Every chapter may be incredibly established and you often find yourselves envying them. It looks so easy on the outside-looking-in, but creating a positive reputation is much more work than it seems.

Going into formal recruitment blindsided despite hours of workshops.

Your first recruitment as a recruiter is an experience like no other. Particularly so when no one has any idea of what to expect despite research and practice. The tension and energy in the room of the first round will never leave your memory.

Having to meet expectations from HQ, Panhellenic, and your peers.

There are rules upon rules, quotas to reach, deadlines to note, and guidelines to follow. As mentioned previously, trial and error becomes a bigger part of your life than ever before and you have to become okay with it. Accept that it means you're growing.

Trying to create an identity that reflects your chapter and the values of your sorority.

Will you and the rest of your sisters be grouped together as "classy"? What about down-to-earth? Girls who like to have fun? The ones that don't leave each other's sides? So many characteristics form what others will think of you. How do you all get on the same page? SO MANY questions.

You become attached to the new chapter specialists and chapter consultants sent to you from HQ.

They're like not-so-much-older-than-you moms. They take care of you like you're their babies, but by the time they leave, you're more independent and stronger as a chapter than ever. Tears WILL be involved when saying goodbye.

At the end of it all, even the first year, you come out more put together than ever imaginable. You will always feel a certain bond with the girls you founded your chapter with, even if you're not necessarily very close with each one of them. When everyone is in the same situation of winging it and then working hard at what it is we envision, how can you not expect to bond? I'm proud to say I'm a founding sister and I've earned a bit more respect for myself because of it.