Going to college is the time to have fun, to learn life lessons and to mature. Most colleges have sororities; however, my college has literary societies. Yes, it is the same thing — just with a different name. Freshmen have to wait until their spring semester before they're allowed to rush. As we all know the glamorous stories of those who have gotten into a sorority, what would it be like to tell the stories of the ones who didn't get in?

After contemplating whether or not I would actually rush, I went ahead and embarked on the path to rush Athenian. Many long nights of going to events, creating a PowerPoint and of learning the Greek alphabet caused rush to fly by. Soon enough, I found myself waiting for my interview on the final vote night. As the last of seven who were being interviewed that evening, I had plenty of time to talk myself into how bad it was going to be.

When it was all over, I knew that something had indeed gone wrong for me. Once I got back to my dorm, all I could do was wait. A few meltdowns and a short exhausted nap later, my rush mom woke me up asking me to come down to the lobby. The president and rush chair, I found, were also there. It was at that moment when I knew that I hadn't gotten in. Though devastated and confused, I accepted the reality. Most of the members texted me with consolations or came and comforted me to tell me that I had done everything right — and yet I still questioned myself. What exactly had I done wrong? What could I have done better? Why hadn't I tried harder?

Not getting in was hard enough, but I had to spend the next day explaining why I hadn't gotten in and assuring my friends that, yes, it sucked, but I was alright with what had happened. It's now a week after this event, and I have come to realize what exactly I have gained from not getting in.

Reaching out to new people isn't scary

For those who went to Camp Wildwood, the quote "Strangers are just friends whom you haven't met yet" truly comes into play. Most long-lasting friendships come from unexpected places.

It's alright to take chances

Don't let fear keep you from achieving your dreams. Well-known athletes or celebrities do not get famous by staying in their comfort zones; they push themselves into uncomfortable places and don't give up.

True friendships are worthwhile

Friendships are easy to come by, but hard to keep. You can have hundreds of friends — but how many will truly be there for you at the end of the day? Through this experience, I somehow managed to become great friends with the majority of the Athenians, women I know will have my back and be supportive of me when I need them most.

I can honestly say that not getting in was not the end of my world. I gained amazing friendships, saw who my true friends were and learned how to make the best out of an unhappy situation.

Sincerely,

The Girl Who Didn't Get In