Deciding whether or not to go through the recruitment process can be challenging; I know I was contemplating signing up for it when coming to Florida State. All these preconceptions and worries really made me want to not go through with it. I was apprehensive about not fitting the sorority girl’s image or personality and not fitting in. However, looking back at it, I do not regret joining Greek life. Here are some of the hacks and tips I learned over my past three years in a sorority.
iT’S OKAY TO NOT FIND YOUR PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY
Running home on Bid Day and seeing how many sisters are already so close can be overwhelming. Building a close bond with someone takes time and/or trial and error. Feeling out of place is entirely okay. If you find your people or your best friend immediately, that is amazing! But feel free to be close and comfortable with everyone quickly. I remember being a freshman and feeling nervous about talking to others, but over time I began seeing familiar faces during lunch. It became easier to talk to others as I acclimated to the new environment. You meet new sisters throughout events and eventually find your people. I remember during Senior Send Off, many seniors reflected on feeling in a very similar way. It is comforting to know that older sisters were once in your shoes and understand how being new can be nerve-racking.
BE PREPARED FOR THE TIME COMMITMENT
Being in a sorority is a time commitment. There will be meetings, events, and functions, so definitely be prepared to be able to commit an hour or two weekly (depending on the sorority meeting schedule). If you know you have a lot of other outside obligations, make sure to have a note or proof so you can avoid accidentally missing a meeting and getting fined. Put the monthly schedule on your phone calendar or Google Calendar to keep up with everything.
this is your experience
Like most things, what you put in is what you get out of the experience. Keep an open mind at events; you may meet your best friend. However, feel free to continue to be in a setting if it does not work for you. Remember, you are choosing to be in Greek life, which is always a choice. I know many people who have discovered that being in a sorority ends up not being for them, and that is entirely okay; there is never any bad blood.
try to resell or reuse previous dresses
Buying a dress or outfit for every function can be very costly, especially with formals and semi-formals. I recommend buying a dress second-hand or reselling previous event dresses if you need an outfit for a theme. I also recommend using old dresses; I used one of my senior prom dresses for a formal one for the years. You never know, so I recommend keeping some of your previous gowns.
even if you don’t feel close to many, I guarantee you are someone’s person
This is a bit sappy, but I remember going through a horribly abusive breakup. It was a challenging and dark time in my life. Yet what got me through it was many of my sisters. So many sisters with whom I was not close reached out and literally coached me through this breakup. I had never felt more supported and loved in my life. It really showed me what sisterhood means. Even if you do not feel as close to everyone, it is still a community of love. There will always be someone there to lift you up.
While going through recruitment, it can feel like a never-ending process, but you will get through it. It is only a week, and it does not define your worth as a human being. Remember that this is a fun and exciting experience when starting a new chapter in your life. You will end up where you must be and meet some genuinely unique women.
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest!