It was last July when I finally decided to take a chance and sign up for formal sorority recruitment at Michigan State University. I was filled with anticipation all summer. What would it mean to "Go Greek"? Would I enjoy rush? Would I meet a lot of new friends? I was excited for the new chapter that was ahead of me, but as September approached, the nerves understandably kicked in. I prepared the best I could by familiarizing myself with the houses, their charities and the process of rush. Who knew there was so much advice about how to successfully navigate the recruitment process?
Fast forward to that first day of recruitment: I was prepared. I had my schedule, a bag with snacks, comfortable walking shoes and my mom on speed dial. My expectations were high. I hoped to meet my best friends, to be presented with positive new opportunities and to eventually find my "sisters" and be invited to join the Greek community. Truth be told, it was the thought of being a part of a community that offers all of these possibilities that attracted me to Greek life in the first place.
Let me tell you, the process did not disappoint!
I was extremely nervous that first day, but I was also excited; so many emotions filled my head the night before. I am a considerably outgoing person, however, the thought of going into 14 houses and only having 20 minutes to introduce myself to the girls was initially overwhelming. After taking those first, tentative steps into the first house that I visited, I found that the girls were very welcoming. In fact, I felt exhilarated. It was so exciting to meet all the girls, see the houses and imagine the possibilities. I thought to myself, "I can do this!"
I never felt uncomfortable anywhere. It was everything I had hoped for from this somewhat surreal experience. I expected to gain so much from recruitment and it exceeded my expectations.
Not only did I become even more excited about the prospect of a future in the Greek community, the connections and friendships I made during formal recruitment far exceeded what I had hoped. Ultimately, I met my two best friends on the lawn during recruitment. We ended up in different houses, but the community is so welcoming that it has allowed me to have amazing relationships with girls in every house.
After a week of learning about all the wonderful opportunities each sorority has to offer, recruitment ends with bid day, the day you find out the sorority you will come to call home. A nervous energy fills the air as hundreds of girls open their envelopes and excitedly run to the welcoming arms of their new sisters. It was the day I found my new home and my new sisters, and maybe the day that you will find yours.
After the excitement of bid day, I realized how real this process was becoming. I had just gained over 100 new sisters who were so welcoming and excited to meet me and the others in my pledge class. I know it sounds cliché, but it was at that moment that I realized that I had truly found my home and I was on the path to meeting some of the most amazing people. I can say with certainty that I am so thankful for the year I have spent as a sorority sister. From sisterhood events to charity events and everything in between, I can't imagine my life without these women. I am so excited to see what each year going forward brings.
A word of advice: the process of finding your home may initially seem overwhelming, but do not let it scare you away from sorority recruitment. In just a few short months, I had met my best friends who I now do everything with, including my "big" who also became my mentor throughout my first semester of college; I would not be able to say this had I not gone through sorority recruitment.
No matter what your personality is like, I suggest you give sorority recruitment a chance and JUST DO IT! Joining a sorority has been a life-changing experience for me and I would not trade it for anything!
