Dear Potential PNM,

If you told me this time last year that I would be in a sorority I would not believe you. Freshman year was shaping up to be everything I had hoped for and I was finally figuring this college thing out. I found my friend group, my grades were decent, and I was perfectly content with paying a $10 cover at DJ’s on the weekends to let loose after a long week . I was having the best time at the best university and wanted nothing to change because life was good.

I often found myself talking to new people and being asked the same old question, “Are you going to rush?” I always laughed off the question with an eye roll and proceeded to explain how it was not for me and I didn’t need to “buy new friends.” Annoyingly, almost all of my friends were planning on rushing and I was borderline offended that they would want to prance around campus with sorority tote bags and go to ratchet frat parties. They would always try to convince me to at least try rushing and argue that I didn’t have to take a bid if I didn’t want to. After an obscene amount of reluctance on my part, I let the drag me to the sorority expo.

Though it didn’t sell me on Greek life completely, I looked around at the diverse group of women that were excited to go Greek and began to think that maybe not all sorority girls are like Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde." Once I wiped away the picture of sorority life that Hollywood and the media had painted, I began to warm up to the idea a little more. Though I had my doubts, many of them, I decided I had nothing to lose and signed up for spring recruitment.

Here I am a year later to tell you that going Greek has been the best decision I have made since coming to college. Looking back, I realize that I was more afraid of change than I was of Greek life itself. Because I had such a great experience my first semester, I was worried that joining a sorority would change everything I loved about being in college. The way I think of it now is that Greek life didn’t change my life, but rather enhanced it. I am a still best friends with the people I met first semester despite being in different sororities. My grades are higher than ever even though my schedule is ten times crazier. And happy hour at DJ’s has grown to be one of the highlights of my week.

Here are a few reasons why I want you to go Greek.

1. You will be surrounded by women who are so different yet similar at the same time. Even though you come from different parts of the world and very different backgrounds, you all where your letters with pride and value your sisterhood and everything it stands for.

2. You will always have 150+ girls backing you up and supporting you at your best and worst. Whether you landed that really competitive internship or got your heartbroken by some idiot, you have a multiple group chats to brag or rant about the current events of your life.

3. You get a Big (and one day a Little). Big/Little week is the most exciting week of the entire new member process and reveal was probably my favorite day ever. Not only did I receive tons of love and goodies, I found my best friend, role model, and person I can go to for anything and everything and will have by back no matter what.

4. You get to give back. I huge part of going Greek is about philanthropy and all chapters are very passionate about their philanthropic mission. Some of the best memories are made when the entire Greek community comes together to participate in each other's philanthropies and support each other’s causes.

5. You get to be involved. One of the main things I had trouble with freshman year was getting involved on campus, and joining a sorority is one of best ways to do that. With the large number of positions to be filled in your chapter, you are sure to find something you are passionate about doing that highlights your individual strengths. If you are hesitant about joining another club or organization on campus, there is a good chance that one of your sisters is already a part of it. If not, you can always find one that will gladly tag along with you to all of those general interest meetings at the beginning of the semester.

5. Social events are the bomb. There is nothing more fun than planning outfits with your sister and getting ready for a themed event. It's like Halloween but every weekend. Plus, going to an event where you know every single girl in the room is better than any bar will ever be. You can be completely comfortable with your outrageous dance moves because you know your sisters will be getting down to your favorite frat song just like you are.

Whether you are happy with your life at college right now or you are still struggling to find your fit on this campus, consider going through sorority recruitment. Getting to watch each chapter on campus put their best foot forward and show you a glimpse of their sisterhood is one experience I will never forget. You may be unsure about joining a sorority, but I AM sure that you won’t regret it.

Sincerely,

A Future Big Waiting For Her Future Little