We welcomed FIFTY new members into our Phi Mu family on Bid Day last Monday, and I could not be happier. Tearing up is an actual possibility at the moment, and I am not one to cry over much. Seeing our chapter grow with these amazing new women makes me proud to be a Phi Mu in the Alpha Kappa chapter.

However, recruitment was so much more than just gaining our lovely new members. Due to my position as Recruitment Chair, I learned that worrying will never solve anything, doubting yourself will only hold you back, freaking out in any situation will not make it go away, and your sisters are always there for you no matter what (and I mean that in the most literal sense.) 

In the past, I have never been the one to take charge. I am the quiet one, the observer. I do not like to yell or make big decisions. I sit in the back quietly and do what I am told. Also, talking in front of people used to make me want to hyperventilate. Spirit Week and Recruitment changed many of these things. Although I am extremely happy not to have to yell at people anymore (even though having a whistle was fun), I have definitely come out of this process a more confident person. I think through problems more logically, I stick with my decisions, and I spoke in front of a different group of thirty girls multiples times with zero nerves. I think back to my high school self who would have never even considered running for the position in the first place. It is crazy how things change, but I love the way they are changing.

Most importantly, I could not have done any of this without my support system aka my Phi Mu sisters. Whether it was smiling at me and telling me I was doing a great job or staying at the house till 2am to work on decorating for the next day, everything they did for me meant the world. I want to truly thank all of them for their hard work, dedication to the chapter, and for helping me out in every possible way. Extra shout out to the people who brought me coffee and food because coffee keeps me alive and happy and they knew I was not feeding myself properly. Recruitment is a bonding experience like no other, and although it is long and tiring, you come out of it with closer friendships that you never expected.

Last but not least, congratulations Alpha Kappa. Y'all rolled with whatever was thrown your way, and your hard work paid off. I had a blast working with y'all, and I could not be any prouder. We brought them HΦΜE! 

And to our new members: Welcome to the best sisterhood around!