Speaking from experience I can say the first month of freshman year of college is a whirlwind of chaos. Not being able to go an hour without thinking about being back home, nose deep in the campus map running into bike riders as I am trying to navigate my 8 am, and surviving off of meal bundles and ramen had me overwhelmed to my tipping point. What could possibly make life busier during the transition to college, you ask? Joining a sorority.

A year ago today, like many freshman I presume are living through the same lens I did, I joined a sorority. It took less than 24 hours after receiving my bid to my new chapter before I was knee deep in meetings, socials, sisterhood events, and new member education classes. Vivid memories are still burned into my mind of walking back to my dorm and thinking to myself, "This is not for me, what did I get myself into? There is no way in hell I will be able to manage my 18 credit first semester along with the requirements of a sorority." I watched my friends I had met in my dorm drop from their chapters one by one. Upfront, the end reward of what a sorority would bring to my life was blurry. For the first month of events involving the sorority, I looked around at unfamiliar faces, sat down and kept quiet. I did the minimum required and made my appearance only when necessary. Whatever kept me going as I was pondering my explanation for why I would be dropping my sorority saved me in the knick of time.

Today looking back I shake my head at the surface level reasons I stirred up to drop a sorority. Although the feeling of being thrown into 100+ unfamiliar faces and surroundings is exasperating, it would be more alarming to not feel any nervousness or uneasiness at all. I promise it gets better; SO much better. Today I do not look around at unfamiliar faces, I look around at my bridesmaids, my best friends, the girls who will see my at my worst and my best. I look around and see so many memories of laughter, tears, and revelational moments that are continuing to shape me into who I was meant to be. I can wake up in the morning with greasy hair and my retainer from freshman year of high school, and confidently walk through the halls. I can almost insist a lap around the house comes along with 20 "hello's" and hugs here and there. I found my home.

As a freshman going through recruitment or new to your sorority, my best advice to you is to let your guard down and let these girls into your heart who want to stay. Give yourself time and do not act upon stress due to lack of time in your day or awkwardness because you are around girls you have yet to get to know. If there were such a thing as seeing a year, or even a few months into the future, I can guarantee you wouldn't second guess giving up for one minute.

College brings the best days of your life. New beginnings and friends who will carry you through your best days and your hardest days. I found my home away from home, and although it took time to take my shoes off and stay awhile, there is no question in my mind that I am right where I need to be.