RUSH WEEK. Those two words explain themselves enough. It seriously is a rush.

I am a sophomore at McNeese State University and this year I decided to go through formal recruitment. I’m not going to lie, I was very “iffy” about the whole process. I didn’t know if I would fit in or if I could even afford it, but I kept an optimistic mind about the whole thing and continued with it.

For weeks, I anxiously awaited for the first week of school so the recruitment festivities could begin. It was worse than waiting for my birthday! Every day seemed to go slower and slower until finally it arrived. The first night was the MPA Social. This event was really laid back. It wasn’t really anything to worry about, just kind of an ice breaker for the week. Here, we watched each sorority perform their chant and learned about the cost of each one.

The next night was Philanthropy Night. This was the first night of parties at each house. This definitely was the most nerve wrecking day. I didn’t know what to expect when I went into each house. We waited patiently outside the doors before we were allowed to enter. Then a rho chi would knock on the door, and before you knew it you were swept inside. That day I met a bunch of wonderful girls from each house. To me everybody seemed so sweet and I was having a hard time deciding which house I enjoyed the most. I knew choosing a house would be one of the hardest things I’d ever have to do.

Fortunately, I was wrong about choosing a house. The choice came very easy to me since the other houses had cut me from their list. Many of my friends were cut as well and I know there were a lot of people who got upset about it, but I’m proud to say I didn’t. I said to myself, "Why get upset about being cut from a house that didn’t even want you?" It was their loss, and it made the next day less stressful for me. My decision was made clear of where I would end up and where I wanted to go.

It was on theme night when I was finally set on the house that I wanted to be in. I just had to make sure I made a good impression on the girls I talked to that night. By the end of this night, I can honestly say I knew this house was the house for me.

The next morning I received horrible news about my pawpaw. He had passed away overnight. This really hit me hard, but I had a lot of support from the girls I met during recruitment. I received multiple texts with kind words and prayers. That day I decided to continue through the rest of recruitment and attend the Preference Tea. I didn’t need to be alone in my room all day thinking about what happened, and I’m glad I didn’t. That day I walked into the Alpha Delta Pi house and instantly knew I was home. Anyone who has been through recruitment can tell you that this night is something special. I can’t even begin to explain it, it’s one of those "you have to see it for yourself" moments.

Finally, it was Bid Day. We all waited anxiously to hear our name called out to find out what houses had given us a bid. I swear it felt like we were in there for hours. Then finally I heard my name and I was off to receive my bid. I accepted it, of course, then proudly ran out with excitement and joined my new sisters.

This was just the beginning of the excitement! We then painted and accessorized ourselves with our sorority colors and, of course, took numerous pictures. After everyone received their bid we made our way to Greek Street. Once we got there we did a group chant then took off running down the road to our new home. The road was filled with all the sorority girls and fraternity guys cheering us on. The excitement that was in that moment is unexplainable. Once we made it to the ADPi house, we really began the celebration. We danced on the street, met all of our new sisters, and did a few more fun activities. It was really one of the greatest days ever.

The next morning is when I really understood how a sorority is much more than just a group of college girls having fun. It was the day of my pawpaw’s funeral and about eight of the older members showed up to support me and my family in our time of need. They brought a card that many of my sisters had signed. I also received multiple messages from all the other girls sending kind words to help me get through the day. It was at this moment I realized that not only are these girls my friends but they are also my family. Although some of them had not known me long, every single one of those girls were there for me. It was the best support system I could have asked for.

These girls are really some of the greatest people I have ever met. When you walk into the ADPi house there are no cliques, there is no judgment, and there is no hate. They welcome you with open arms, accept you for who you are, and make you feel right at home.

God definitely led me in the right direction. I’m blessed to be able to call all of these new girls my sisters and I can’t wait to spend not only the rest of college with them, but the rest of my life. I’m proud to start this new journey as an ADPi girl.

#DiamondsAreForever ΑΔΠ