During the first week of August 2016, I prepared to leave for college and move on campus early for sorority recruitment week aka "Rush Week." I was so excited and nervous, and seeing all the houses for the first time was a shocker because I remember saying they all looked like big 'ole Southern Mansions (I still think they do!) I was happy to be able to move into my dorm a week early before the rest of the campus, and my roommate did too which was definitely easier.

During the week, it was stressful to look so nice and perfect to impress the girls. As the week went by, I found some houses I loved. I found some I did not like. At the end of the week, I didn't get a bid.

Was I upset over it? I really was. It was difficult being in a dorm right across from sorority row, and seeing all the girls in their sorority shirts and bid day jerseys and seeing all of them going to swap parties.

But in the light of all of it, I am actually glad I didn't. Not joining a sorority does have its advantages. I'm not hating on joining Greek life (I plan on rushing again in the fall of 2017). I have lots of friends in greek life and I have friends who are not. Not joining a sorority has given me time to focus on getting involved in other areas of campus (like joining clubs and organizations besides greek life), making friends because UA is a HUGE campus and focusing on getting transitioned into the college life and focusing on my academics.

Whether you're in Greek life or not, college is still pretty great.