“So in a strange turn of events, I’m now in a sorority.” This is the text I sent my parents this past weekend as I was swept up in the chaos and mass of glitter that was bid day. Despite all my former grievances towards Greek life, I endured five days of recruitment, and now am a proud member of Kappa Delta.
To be honest, recruitment wasn’t that bad and all of the anxiety leading up to it was unnecessary. From Wednesday until Sunday I made more small talk than I could have ever imagined and stayed up way past my bedtime to make a good impression on girls who would (hopefully) become my sisters. This process is very different from other schools and is what destroyed many of the stereotypes I had in my head about rushing. It was extremely laid back, with no strict dress code or constant scary chanting (there was some singing, but I wasn’t against it). And most importantly, no hazing! This is what sold me on going in the first place, since I could never imagine being ridiculed by someone and then a week later, having to call them my sister. Most of my favorite moments of recruitment, however, did not come from meeting the members. It was in making friends with people I probably would never have crossed paths with, but during this week we were standing together on countless lines, sharing our nerves with each other, and finding common ground in saying “yeah, I can’t believe I’m doing this either.” Almost everyone I talked to didn’t see themselves in Greek life initially, but they found themselves here because they were looking for more. I came out to recruitment to become more involved on campus and in my community, and to meet a strong, loyal group of women who I know will always have my back. And after only 48 hours of being a KD, I know that’s exactly what I got.
I know there will still always be skeptics about sorority life – I was one up until two days ago. But the sense of community and support I feel already is unmatchable (and the massive new wave of Instagram followers doesn’t hurt either). If you’re on the fence about going out for recruitment next year, I say do it. You may end up with a whole new family by the end of it. I know I did.