Being a new member in a sorority was one of the most interesting and enjoyable experiences I have ever had. I joined Alpha Chi Omega last fall and loved my new member experience — that time between Bid Day and Initiation when you're transitioning to the chapter and learning to call it your home. All in all, being a new member is fun wherever you are, but I learned quite a lot those first few weeks of being a new member. Here are the highlights.

1. BID DAAAAAY!!!

The first, and probably the most overwhelming stage of your new member phase. You get your bid day card and possibly, most likely, cry of happiness. Then you run to meet all your sisters, who greet you with signs with your name and your first pieces of apparel. So much excitement, so many girls, so many new names. It's your first real time at your new home!

2. That night, your Facebook blows up with friend requests and “Welcome Home!” posts from your new sisters.

3. You feel like a super star when all your new sisters are like “Hang out with me!”

4. Life time members will not let you pay when you hang out together.

They spoil you.

5. You try to remember so many names that your head explodes, but you get them eventually!

6. When they tell you every meeting is business casual.

Time to go buy your first blazer!

7. When you start learning all 100+ years of your chapter's history.

Founding date, founding university, founders' names, ready, set, go!

8. When you try to learn the Greek Alphabet.

Lambda Zeta huh?

9. When it’s Big Little week, and everyone trolls the hell out of you.

Why are 10 people calling me Little?

What is going on?

Who is my Big???

10. WHEN YOU GET YOUR BIG, and are slammed with love in craft form.

Looking at your crate like:

Shout out to you, Big!

All my Big Little Week Presents had me like:

11. What is a paddle? Where do I get one? What is it for?

Pinterest is your friend.

I survived.

12. Initiation! You’re in!

A little quick ceremony and you're officially a lifetime member!

Woo! Sisters for life!