Congratulations! You were just offered a bid to the sorority of your choice, and that's a huge accomplishment. You have now survived recruitment week, been welcomed into a family that you will have for a lifetime, and probably had a lot of food at your bid day party. But now what? Being a new girl in a sorority can be really overwhelming sometimes. As a seasoned sorority sister, here are my tips for slaying the new-member process.
1. Stay centered.
Being a new member is a lot to process, and something I struggled with last year was staying true to myself. Sorority women will tell you all the time that being in their organization has made them the "best versions of themselves." This is 100 percent true. My sisters push and encourage me to become the best possible me. But that does not mean that they have altered who I am. Be you! You are the person these girls extended a bid to, not the person you think they want you to be once you are a member.
2. We like your questions!
There are a lot of new rules and regulations you have to follow as a new sorority woman. This can be confusing! Ask your sisters when you get lost. We really like your questions, and we would rather you ask than keep us in the dark! Any sister is more than willing to help you out when you forget what day to wear letters, or can't remember what time chapter starts. That is what we are here for!
3. Embrace the sister dates.
Speaking as a girl who met her future Big on a sister-of-the-week lunch date, take advantage of all your new sisters wanting to hang out with you! We love that you have joined us, and especially the girls who did not chat with you during recruitment, they want to know about the great girl all their sisters have been talking about! I know you will probably get at least 10 offers a week, but say yes whenever you have time. Going on these dates helps you meet sisters, learn names, and make lasting connections with some awesome girls.
4. Try not to get overwhelmed.
We know that being in a new organization is a lot of work, and sometimes we forget that meeting lots of new faces can be scary! Ceremonies, sister dates, socials, community service events, and unplanned hangouts amount to a lot of your time being taken up. Speak out if you are feeling the pressure! We are here to vent, and if you ask us to back off, or tell us you need some alone time, that is OK too! We are just really excited to have you, and sometimes the excitement overpowers our good judgement.
5. Enjoy it.
I cannot overstate how awesome being a new member is. Grace periods, meeting nice people, messing up the chants, not knowing the creed, and bonding with your pledge class are crucial points in your experience as a sister of your new organization. Being a new member last year was some of the most fun I have had in my college experience. Do not take this for granted. Soon you will be an initiated sister, and that comes with a lot of responsibility. So enjoy getting to mess up and learn about your sorority! Life as a sorority girl is the most exciting right after recruitment. Have fun!
