Honestly, it can be easy to forget why you joined a sorority. I know I have been guilty of it from time to time. You get wrapped up in life, and when you are away from your sisters all summer, you can forget what its like to be apart of a sorority with the lack of chapter meetings, service opportunities, or formals that constantly fill our schedules. But coming back to school two week early for recruitment is a reminder of why I joined and what I love about my organization, Delta Gamma. Though this is my second year recruiting, I still find myself able to not only reflect on why I joined, but be proud of my decision to go greek and go DG.
We spend a whole week preparing talking points, practicing songs, and working on those awkward transitions with your bump group. It is tedious, but all this work up leading to recruitment itself is what makes being in a sorority so rewarding. You get to be an active part of improving and growing the future of your chapter. You may not be able to choose your neighbors, your co-workers, or even your biological siblings, but you can choose your sorority sisters.
When I went through recruitment as a freshman, I did not know too much about Greek Life. I knew I wanted a close group of friends and a home away from home. And it was not until Preference Round that I realized that Delta Gamma was where I wanted to be. I was preffed by a girl from my high school, and though we did not know each other super well, we instantly reconnected. It was so comforting to see a familiar face, and I knew that if this was the kind of organization she was in, that I could fit in here as well.
Now halfway through college, Delta Gamma has far exceeded my expectations. I have found my best friends, my roommates, my future bridesmaids, my big and my little. I never would have met these girls if DG had not brought us together. Through the laughs and fun to the tears and late night study sessions, my sisters have been there through it all. They are my constant support system, and have shown me what it means to be a true friend and sister.
Part of Work Week and Recruitment is going over and remembering not only why you went through recruitment, but why you chose Delta Gamma. Though recruitment is long days, blistered feet, and singing until you lose your voice, it is more than just that. It is a chance to reflect on what you love about DG, and be able to share it with girls that are looking for the same type of sisterhood that you were when you were in their shoes.
Though the days are long, I am able to come back home at the end of a day of recruiting and just watch TV and hangout with my sisters. When your feet are swollen and blistered, it gives you an excuse to walk through campus in slippers and sweatpants when you are going to late night meetings. And while my voice is still hoarse from Bid Day two days ago, it is all worth it to welcome home and celebrate our new members. Being able to help these girls find their own home away from home in Delta Gamma just as I have is the most rewarding feeling, and makes me remember what I love about DG, and what I have come to love and appreciate about recruitment.