As I write this, I’m preparing to plunge into a sisterhood that will change my life for the better, forever. On Monday, January 23, 2017, I received a formal bid from the Alpha Rho chapter of Delta Zeta at OWU, and soon, I’ll come home to a family of sisters that extends across the campus and across the globe.

So how did I get here? Two words: formal recruitment.

When I first decided to go through formal recruitment, I didn’t consider much—in fact, until I saw some of the Rho Gammas (Recruitment Guides) tabling in Hamwill to advertise formal recruitment, I didn’t even consider it at all. It was a snap decision, based on chance and impulse and a gut feeling. And honestly? I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I wrote a previous article about my feelings before formal recruitment, and now that I’m on the other end of it, I can truly say that I’ve come home.

The night I met my sisters, I got my bid, screamed, hugged everyone who had also gone through recruitment (and the Rho Gammas who had revealed their letters), screamed, went to join my new sisters, screamed, and ran to the DZ house. At the house, I received the world’s cutest sign, decorated with the DZ colors (pink and green), a turtle, and my name. It seemed so unreal that all these women were overjoyed to have me as a new sister. Once we went into the house, we all introduced ourselves (it seemed like a blur of faces and names because I was so happy and excited) and hung out for a while. I met so many amazing women that I’m proud to call my sisters and I can’t wait for the times ahead with them.

Formal recruitment didn’t just help me find a sorority, it helped me find a family—not by blood, but by choice. I can’t wait to experience a sisterhood that both challenges and accepts me in equal measures, a sisterhood where my sisters and I encourage each other to be the best versions of ourselves. Whatever am-∆Z-ing things are ahead, I want to share them with my sisters. I want to grow and watch my sisters grow around me, and even though sometimes that may mean growing apart, I believe that being a Delta Zeta (even though I’m new) is about supporting my sisters no matter what.

So as I write this, I have no idea of what’s ahead for me as a Delta Zeta, but I know that it will be positive, it will be wonderful, and it will be more than I’ve ever dreamed. If you’re considering going Greek, I would advise you to take the plunge and go for it: you may find a home that you never expected, but that you love all the same. Be more. Be bold. Be Greek.