To the sophomore who didn't get a bid,

It's going to be okay.

You are not the only one.

I know how gut-wrenching it is because I was in your shoes just last week.

I know what it feels like to have one of your favorite houses drop you before Preference Day.

I know how hard it is being dropped by your other favorite houses on Bid Day.

Being a sophomore and rushing is a dangerous task. Don't let anyone try to convince you that sophomores get priority over freshmen because that's definitely not the case.

You probably felt so hopeful the night before bid day because everyone was so sweet and welcoming on Preference Day.

I got the call at 11:30 in the morning. I stayed alone most of the day on Bid Day. I told everyone that I just wanted to be alone. I cried for 4 hours straight, I've cried a couple times since then, and I still get emotional thinking about it now.

Not getting a bid feels a lot like being led on by a guy. He tells you you're beautiful, smart, and would be the perfect girl for him. But then a few days later, you see him with somebody else, probably telling her the exact same things he told you. I guess maybe she has something that you don't.

You're not alone.

It's so hard going through this experience and seeing all of your friends get their letters. I'm here to say that I understand.

You're going to be okay, I promise. You will find other friends. Sure, it'll take more effort, but if you're willing to commit time to find other groups of people, it's possible.

Through the entire process, I had incredible luck with every single one of my top favorite houses. I never complained, I always smiled (even when I might not have felt like smiling), and I did everything I could to be personable. I had spent hours doing research, asking friends about their houses, and learning the Greek alphabet. I did everything I possibly could to get

The reason it hurts so badly is that you know that this was your final shot at sorority life. It feels like these houses have looked at you and decided "She's not worth it. She's not good enough for us." But let me tell you. You ARE worth it.

Don't give up on yourself. Do not let a sorority dictate your worth.

At Purdue's campus, about 20% of students are Greek. That means the other 80% of students are not. Don't worry about being left out because honestly, you're not left out at all. You're in the majority. You can be completely content with not going Greek during your college years.

Does that soften the pain? No. I know that it doesn't. It takes time to heal. But don't beat yourself up just because you didn't fit in with a specific chapter.

When you don't get a bid on Bid Day, take some time for yourself. Don't pretend that it doesn't hurt. Go to Chick-Fil-A if you need to. Watch your favorite TV show. Talk about it with someone. Ask questions. Take a hot shower. Relax. You'll make it through this.

Sincerely,

The sophomore who persevered