Recently here at State, formal recruitment occurred and it was a stressful week filled with dancing, singing, crying, heel-wearing and girl-flirting. All of which resulted in my sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, receiving a beyond fabulous group of new, perfect members. Although it was mentally and physically draining for not only the PNMs (at the time) but for us actives as well, it was totally worth the wait. The girls we received are, to me, the perfect vision of Alpha Gamma Delta and honestly, they rock. I've never met a group of young women so calm and collected, and just as weird as all of us. It's comforting to know that there are people just like all of us that care so much about one another and the organization we're apart of. 

A couple weekends ago, we had our New Member Retreat, and I was so blessed to be apart of it. We went kayaking at La Jolla and headed over to Mission Beach for a bonfire filled with s'mores and In-N-Out. I'm so glad I got to connect with a bunch of the new members I hadn't even spoken to during rush or at Bid Day. I now know all their names and how amazing they are. I have never laughed as much as I did hanging out with this crazy bunch. Waking up as early as I did, and leaving as late we did was so worth it and I wish we could do it every weekend, but unfortunately, money doesn't grown on trees (insert shrugging emoji here). I do believe we all had a splash at this event. There are so many things I adore about our new members, but I'm here to explain to you what I love about them.

1. Diverse
Each individual girl has their own spunk to them and they're not all the same. I love how they're so diverse and I love how they feel right at home with us. Many of them have told me that they have felt comfortable and that all the stereotypes of sorority life have disappeared when it comes to us. That means a lot to us actives because we take pride in being our own person, but loving one another equally no matter what. They feel like they can be themselves around us, and ladies, the feeling is mutual. That's what you want in a sorority, to be able to be yourself.

2. Personality
I love how our new members are extremely down to Earth. I love how weird and quirky they are, how selfless and giving they are and how beautiful they are in their own way. These young women are the easiest people to talk to, and make you smile and laugh uncontrollably till more love is spewing out your eyes. Kind of extreme, but we love them that much. It's for real.

3. Kind and Dedicated
On service day during rush, I realized that many of the new members I spoke with have the kindest hearts. Even besides philanthropy, these women have kind souls and are dedicated to the max. They explained that they wanted to make friends and just wanted that sisterhood feeling, which would ultimately make them an even better person. As for scholarship purposes, these ladies are dedicated as well and truly are here to be the best they can be. That's the type of girl we look for. That's the type of girl any sorority looks for. Someone who is dedicated to striving to succeed, as well as someone who is kind to all. 

4. Future
I also just love how they want what's best for the sorority. They care so much about the future of our chapter and the exciting things we have planned for it. I honestly am so happy they get to help us shape the chapter and all that holds for us at Alpha Gamma Delta. Before rush, I had a bunch of people whom I could call for anything – my sisters – but now since Rush has happened, I can call even more people for anything: my new sisters.