Dear New Members,

Welcome to the bond sweet girls! I am so excited to call you all my sisters, and I cannot wait to get to know all of you more as the weeks go on. Joining this sorority is exciting; you are introduced to a whole new world, meet new people every day, and you never have to look too hard for plans, as there is always something happening.

As amazing as this new chapter in your life is going to be, I realize it can also seem daunting. When I first joined, just a bit over a year ago, I felt like I had arrived home, but I still felt like a lost puppy as I had not quite found a place in my new home. I was only able to recognize a few faces, I didn’t exactly understand what any of the events on campus that I was getting invited to were, and it seemed like I was the only one who felt so lost.

But. I wasn’t. And I promise that if you’re feeling that way, you’re not the only one. If there is any advice I can offer for these next couple weeks of adjusting to the sisterhood, it’s this:

1. If you get invited, go.

Every day offers a new opportunity. Don’t let yourself miss out on an adventure because you don’t know anyone. You get to know people by getting involved! So sign up for the mixers (and actually attend), go with a group of sisters to the party happening Saturday night (better to go with a group of sisters then alone), spare an hour to get lunch with your new member sister, even if it takes an hour out of studying. I promise you that one hour will not decimate your GPA; you need to eat lunch anyways. And then you can ask your sister to study with you!

2. Invite people out.

If you don’t necessarily feel lost, there might be others who do. So go out of your way to extend an invitation someone’s way.

3. Stay Organized

This was the hardest part for me. You have classes (and for a lot of new members, it’s your first year of college, so it’s your first time being introduced to the structure and rigor of college lectures), sorority commitments, new member meetings, intramural sports, social life, all while squeezing eating and a healthy balance of a good night sleep/naps in there as well. Remember that school comes first — don’t start skipping classes or skipping assignments. However, don’t completely sacrifice all the adventure and memories that lie within your new member semester because you’re doing homework all the time. The library will still be there after you go fountain hopping, I promise.

4. Don’t be intimidated by the older girls.

They are your greatest asset, the biggest role models you can find. I promise. Don’t be afraid to ask them to lunch or just strike up a conversation with them before meeting. They not only act as great mentors but as great friends too.

5. Get Involved

Don’t be afraid to go out for a leadership position or join a committee. While you probably shouldn’t run for an executive position after only being in the chapter two weeks, you can and are encouraged to run for smaller positions and offer input on what’s going on. Each of you offers a brand new perspective and fresh ideas that the chapter could really benefit from; don’t keep them to yourself due to hesitation.

So welcome home, Fall ’16. Welcome to the bond of an everlasting sisterhood. Get used to late night texts to go get donuts, get used to lots of hugging, and I hope that this chapter impacts you as much as it has already impacted me.