When I moved into Bromley Hall, it was a million degrees outside and so humid that I felt a puddle of sweat pile up on the small of my back in a matter of seconds. As I hiked up the seven flights of stairs (because only one elevator worked), my loud family screamed at each other and their voices echoed throughout the stairway. Approaching my corner room, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Two new faces smiled up at my profusely sweating face. Those new faces both became some of my best friends, regardless of which house we chose on bid day.
Although I already knew my roommate, another best friend of mine, it was terrifying when we all chose different sororities. I randomly lived with some of the best people I had ever met and the thought of joining a different house than them scared me. I didn’t want to lose them.
My anxiety was at an all time high as I tried to make time to meet the girls in my Theta pledge class and hang out with my roommates.
For any of you that are tweaking out about Rush, specifically freaking out about which house to pick because of your friends, don’t be.
Pick the house that’s right for you and those friends will always be there for you if they are genuine and true.
All of my anxiety was for nothing because joining different houses was basically a blessing in disguise. It taught me the value of friendship and how to manage my time. I would come home from going out, and I knew that they would be up to listen to my night. Or at least wake me up in the morning by jumping on me and asking for every detail.
I knew that they had my back. I could vent to them about Sorority “drama” and I would always be there to listen, too.
Before every event, I would sit them down and do their eye makeup. It was always so exciting to see them go out and to meet their new friends they met from their house. I met so many more people than I ever would have because of them.
They were there to wipe my tears after I would storm home or bombed an exam.
They were always there to cuddle with me even when I was sick.
They were there for me.
Joining different houses didn’t change that. Within our first week back at school, for our sophomore year, we all met up for dinner to catch each other up on our lives, drama, and boys (of course). I couldn’t imagine my life without them, and it makes me happy that I don’t think I ever need to think that way. Letters don’t change who you are, friends do.
