From one PNM to another,

If you’re reading this you’re probably in the middle of the beautiful chaos that is recruitment week or just about to start, or maybe just got your bid; if so, congratulations. I will be the first to say that I never pegged myself as a sorority girl—in high school I always told myself I would never rush because of the preconceived notions in my head. I have always thought that sorority women were catty, superficial and fake. Oh, how my mind has changed.

This past weekend was the first round of recruitment and I have never met more genuine women in my life. The first day going around to all the different chapters was certainly nerve-wracking and overwhelming; there was a ton of clapping, singing, screaming and spirit runs, but the atmosphere is so exciting. Going into the chapters to meet and talk to the women was fast paced but I now understand why women choose to be in a sorority. It’s so much more than selfies and parties; these women are dedicated to their letters, their sisters and their philanthropies.

Maybe it’s because I’m at a smaller school and Greek Life isn’t as huge here as compared to larger schools so it may be different elsewhere. You can tell these women want what’s best for you and want you to find a place where you can be unapologetically yourself but also give you room for personal growth and development. I never understood what these women meant when they said they found their “home,” I honestly always rolled my eyes when I heard that, but now I understand. In the short time that you meet with the women of each chapter you slowly build a relationship and a connection with them; conversations get personal and you can see their eyes light up when they talk about their sisterhood and the service projects they organize. You get invested and when you find the right chapter something just clicks—you have to forgive me, it’s a little hard to explain until you’ve actually experienced it.

If there’s something that I can tell you before you continue on with recruitment it would be to keep an open mind, take all of the preconceived ideals and notions and throw them aside. Get excited, don’t be nervous and most importantly have fun and be yourself.

Best of luck.