Last month, along with 500 other hopefuls, I embarked on the journey that was sorority recruitment. Unfortunately, I wasn’t one of the lucky ones to find their “forever home.” I wasn’t invited back to the sorority I felt I had clicked best with, and it didn’t feel right for me to join a different organization, just for the sake of joining. I dropped out of recruitment, and I’d be lying if I say I didn’t feel crushed. I know I wasn’t the only one in this situation, so for all my girls who felt a little down after recruitment- here are the things you should remember:
YOU ARE ENOUGH: The first thought that ran through my mind when I saw I wasn’t invited back to my top choice was, “why didn’t they want me?” and “why wasn’t I enough?”. It’s so hard to not let this process define you. Not getting invited back makes you think that you aren’t charismatic enough, or funny enough, or pretty enough, and the truth is- that’s all bullshit. More likely than not, the reason you didn’t get invited back doesn’t have anything to do with who you are, it’s just the way the cards fall. Remember that you are just as unique and awesome as every girl who did get invited back. Try to move past it, and don’t let it get you down for the rest of the semester.
Avoid FOMO: If you’re still feeling torn up about not joining a chapter, then stay off social media, or at least check it less than you usually would. All you’re going to see for the next few months are big/little reveals, date nights, and initiation pictures, and the FOMO will kick in. In fact, mute people’s Instagram stories or posts from your feed for a bit if it helps. Instead, make your own Instagram worthy moments with your roommates or friends from down the hall!
Join Other Organizations: If you were like me, and wanted to join a sorority to make new friends, remember there are other ways to do that on campus! Join a new club this semester, look into service opportunities, or ask that semi-friend from one of your classes out to coffee. Also, consider rushing a professional fraternity or a service organization next year. It might seem hard to put yourself out there (again), but making new friends is a team effort, and you won’t meet anyone unless you give it a shot! Go to LEO OrgSync (https://orgsync.com/home/780) to take a look at all the different club and organizations on campus.
Try Again: Hey, if recruitment didn’t work out the way you hoped this year, there’s always next year! Sometimes it’s just not the right time or place for something new to come into your life, but if being in a sorority is something you really think is the right fit for you, then give it another try! Next year, it might be the right time for it to click on both ends. At least the second time around, you’ll be a seasoned professional and know exactly what to expect!
(Disclaimer: Despite this being said, I have no hard feelings towards any of the sororities. Each and every organization is unique and wonderful in their own special way, and I have no ill will to any sorority member or organization.)