This year, I disaffiliated from my sorority before and during rush to help my freshmen residents go through rush. If you're unfamiliar with this term, it means that I gave up my affiliation to my sorority (aka, I didn't wear my letters, made all social media private and didn't tell anyone what sorority I am in). Living the disaffiliated life has been an interesting experience, especially because I can't talk to women who are affiliated, which includes a large number of my friends. Here is my experience with disaffiliation as told by Gilmore Girls.

1. The first time you see some of your best friends who are Greek in public.

Knowing that you won't be able to have lengthy conversations with them or be able to hang out with them in public is hard after not having seen them all summer.

2. Seeing your Greek friends around campus.

After you hang out with them in the secrecy of their dorm rooms, it becomes kind of fun to see them around.

3. When your friends invite you to sit with them in the Caf, but there's an affiliated member at the table.

Or a Greek woman asks if you want to get lunch after class. Or texts you to go on a Caf date. Or any time that you can't hang out with your friends because one is Greek.

4. When someone starts talking about your sorority by name.

Shhhhh! Don't give me away!

5. The logic that girls use when they try to guess what sorority you are in.

Some of you guessed dead on. Most of you may want to re-evaluate.

6. Getting to see the girls before they go to the parties.

They are the reason you are disaffiliating, and seeing them look gorgeous as they go to the houses makes it all worth it.

7. When your girls are excited about the next round.

Seeing them happy makes you so happy.

8. When your girls are disappointed.

The protective mama comes out in you, and you want to give whoever hurt their feelings a piece of your mind.

9. The feeling you get when you have to lie and say that you aren't what you are.

I just want to tell the truth like my mama told me to!

10. Finally getting to re-affilliate on Bid Day.

Seeing all your sisters and having them welcome you back home is honestly the best feeling.

11. Seeing your girls on Bid Day.

Whether they joined your house or not, you're just happy to see them home.

Disaffiliation is hard and sad and a little bit lonely, but knowing that you helped your girls find their home makes it all worth it. I got closer to my independent friends and to my girls because I wasn't rushing or even able to talk to people who were. I'm thankful to be back in my letters, but I wouldn't have given up the experience of disaffiliation for anything.