There are so many different things to learn about sorority life — the Greek alphabet, the meanings of the letters, symbols, philanthropies, positions, founders, founding dates, etc. So much information that we sorority women devote about a week inviting other women to learn about each of our organizations. If you're one of those women, trust us, we've been there. That week is exciting, intimidating and emotional all at once. Knowing that you have to be equally attentive in each and every house plus presentable after classes each day for an entire week? V. stressful. But I'm here to ease your minds and share a few secrets with you about this process.

Let's start with the basics. This week is about you. It's not about your roommate, best friend, mom, boyfriend, sister or anyone else but you. It's not even about the houses you're looking at joining. When people refer to their organization as their home, it's an accurate depiction, not just a sentimental phrase. And every time you feel any form of confused or conflicted, remember that this decision affects you before anyone else. Don't let those other voices or opinions cover up your thoughts. Especially if you're a legacy to another house, or have friends in different organizations than where you feel a connection with.

Those emotions? They show you how important this is to you. The butterflies fluttering in your tummy but mixing with the nerves and maybe even a headache. We all had some variation of that feeling. It's uncomfortable, exciting and all too normal for what you'll be doing. Expect the nerves and let them happen, just don't let them take over, because this is still about you. Something that might make you feel better. As nervous as you're going to be throughout recruitment, multiple that amount by at least 10. That level of nerves is held by the women you'll be meeting in each room. We have to not only impress you with our values, but make you feel welcomed and comfortable. Better yet, you and your fellow recruit are the potential future of our organizations. You have to want to be in that room for the next four years. While we can't make that decision for you, we have to offer you the necessary tools to build the right boat for you to sail on. And if we mess up, we could hinder your decision. And being able to say I don't know where I'd be without my sorority, I can honestly say my biggest fear was making the wrong choice (for me). So to have that impact on you is now my biggest fear. So please note, the woman you are speaking with in each room is going to be nervous with you.

Next order of business — We practice those songs that you first hear when you walk through the room. And by practice, I mean we do it a few months/weeks before recruitment, getting it perfect to create an exciting environment for you. We try really hard to sound good but we joined a sorority, not a choir, so please don't listen too closely as we aren't pros in that area. However, please see these greetings as a small way of us thanking you and letting the excitement take over the nerves. But if it creeps you out a little, please be reassured that our singing is meant for special occasions, and you of course are just that.

We are really, really sorry we have asked you the same questions as everyone else. We know how tired you are of repeating yourself. We know there's a small part of you getting increasingly annoyed by us. But. You need to know we ask you these questions because we are interested in you. So if you could excuse the repetition we are causing, we would really appreciate it. In fairness, we're repeating ourselves, too. Another important thing to know about your conversations, anytime you are introduced to a new sister, consider it a good thing. This experience is meant for you to meet us, and us to meet you to help your decision be made and feel right for you. So if you're being passed around from different members, don't let those nerves get in the way.

Now, I can't give away everything, but this last bit will be the best thing you can take away from all this reading. There is no wrong choice, there is only your choice. This includes any house you pick, or even if you choose to walk away not joining a house. Having an open mind is the best way to handle the process, but at the end of the week, you know yourself best and you know what you felt in each group. Don't be afraid to say you felt no connection strong enough to join or to pick the one you know your mom's sorority was "rivals" with. The only wrong decision you can make during recruitment is not being honest with yourself.

I hope this makes your week a little less stressful and that decision a little more comfortable to make. Happy recruitment!