Hey girl,

I was once like you. An incoming freshman with no aspirations of joining a sorority, let alone going through formal recruitment.

The thought of cheery, overly-happy girls made me want to vomit. I hate the color pink, monograms and Lilly Pulitzer. I definitely hate fake people, I don't like drama and I really didn't want to "pay for my friends". Yeah. I, just like you, have seen House Bunny and I heard every downgrading comment about Greek life. The general public thinks of sororities as a whole bunch of glitter, cute videos, boys, and parties.

When you get to college, you will overhear other potential new members talking about they heard "x" about a certain house and "y" about another house. And I'm sure you'll also hear potential new members talking about what house they want to be in because that house is pretty, smart, partiers, rich, etc. I too, along with every other sorority girl, was in that position. Going through recruitment is like interviewing for a job, every day of the week. It's exhausting. But it's completely worth it.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you that joining a sorority is the best decision I ever made and that I live and breathe my sorority. Joining a sorority, was ONE of my best decisions. And I do love my sorority. But there are much deeper reasons to join a sorority rather than just getting the title.

During recruitment, there will be girls everywhere. Some will be like the girls I mentioned previously. Others will be searching for the philanthropy they most support. And some girls are just along for the ride and whatever happens, happens. That was me, and I'm sure it will be you too.

During formal recruitment some magic happens. You meet girls that are going through the same process as you. Don't be nervous. Take advantage of this time with them. You will create some great friendships with them and you can talk through the process with them.

You'll also meet about fifty sorority girls throughout the week. Don't be nervous just be you. When I went through recruitment, I started talking to a girl about hummus. Now she's my big. They aren't testing you, they just want to know what your values are. They want to know what your standards are. Be completely honest with yourself and the girls. Chances are the sorority women you talk to, are more nervous than you.

Fast forward to Bid Day. By going through recruitment, you get to run to your chosen house. You get a hundred sisters that will love you and support you through your highs and lows. You could have the opportunity to hold a position. You will also be the new face of your sorority. You'll make plenty of friends with girls in other sororities. And yes, you'll get to go to dances and all the fun things sororities have to offer.

Formal recruitment is worth it, because, at the end of the day, you have sisters who will laugh with you or cry with you. And then eat a pint of ice cream. Ready. Set. Rush!