You made it through every round of recruitment. You open your bid card to see that you got the house you wanted. What happens now?
After you jump up and down screaming at the top of your lungs, scream simultaneously with the girl next to you and possibly shed a few tears, the reality finally settles: you're in a sorority! Don't just stand there holding your bid card, get moving! Here's what you'll most likely be moving towards.
Welcome Home:
Once you open your bid card you will most likely go straight to your new home where 50+ new sisters will be waiting for you! Don't be intimidated, these girls are beyond excited to welcome you home! So get your hugging arms out and put that smile on, your cheeks will hurt by the end of the day but rush should have made you used to that by now. Once the high pitched screaming and cheering has died down, one sister will probably approach you and introduce herself. This sister is your guide for the next few hours, and could possibly be your future big! She will introduce you to other sisters and stay by your side throughout the bid day festivities. These festivities most likely involve food, games, and a formal welcome speech. This sister will most likely be older than you, that's okay! She wants to help you learn the ropes, you can no doubt ask her any question you want now that you're sisters.
Papers, Papers, Papers:
You're next meeting may be your first formal chapter or just an information meeting. Despite which one it happens to be, you must bring your new best friend with you; your planner! A sorority girl going to a chapter or info-meeting without her calendar is equivalent to a church forgetting to pass out Hymnals before service, it just doesn't work well for anyone involved. I'd even go as far as comparing your calendar as your sorority Bible. It's that serious. Every chapter and meeting is inevitably filled with new information and dates that you will have to remember. Having a planner and pen in hand is crucial. Upon your entrance to the sorority, you will no doubt have some papers to sign as well. The contracts are usually all business related, stating that you will respect the chapter, retain good grades, et cetera.
As young enthusiasts of computer screens, we are not motivated to read long contracts because obviously that's like ten minutes of Pinterest time we would be wasting, but you want to read these contracts! They contain vital information regarding your membership to your sorority along the lines of what's expected of you as a inductee. If your parents are involved, it's also a smart idea to pass this information to them as well, no doubt they want to know what they're paying for.
The Sweet Life:
Now that the "bid-ness" is out of the way, the fun begins! Get ready for your second job. Being a hardworking student always comes first so be aware that being in a sorority will take up a solid chunk of your time, be prepared. There is never a dull moment in Greek life because there's always something to do! Monday starts the week off with sisterhood events ranging from picnics to crafting to sushi outings. Tuesday awaits with planning for your chapter philanthropy or going to other chapter's philanthropies. Beware of Wednesday night, Minute-to-Win-it games with other fraternities are a huge hit. Thursday might be filled with local volunteering during the day and unsaid shenanigans at night, its Thursday y'all, enough said. Friday and the weekend blur together as one sister-filled tailgate with a massive cuddle puddle of studying Sunday night.
As you can see your weeks are cookie cut our for you! It's exhausting but the times you spend with your sisters are memories you'll keep with you forever. Sorority life also opens up countless opportunities, social and business related alike! Chapters get the inside scoop on activities happening on campus or within the local city because they are accessible advertising targets for the community. This relationship is a huge plus, you will hear of education, business, and volunteering opportunities you would've never heard of if you didn't join a sorority.
Your bid card is not just a piece of paper, it's a winning lottery ticket to the experience of a lifetime. So cash it in and enjoy the endlessly busy, forever enriching, and invitingly hug-able ride of your life.
