After already being in college for one year, I’ve basically learned the ropes of all things Sacred Heart University: where to eat, where to go shopping, and most importantly, how to make everlasting friendships. Moving in as a sophomore, I felt like I had it all. I have amazing friends, good grades, and love my extracurricular activities. But, there was just something missing. To get even more involved on campus and be an active member in the SHU community, I decided (last minute!) to go through with sorority recruitment. I knew it would be an overwhelming experience, but I was up for the challenge, which was finding a sisterhood that I could call home.
As a freshman, I opted out of rushing in the fall because I thought that between schoolwork and my hobbies, I would not have time for a sorority. However, I came into sophomore year with a different mindset, and was determined to find a group of girls that I could always rely on, no matter what. So, what better way to do that than to join a sorority?
Rushing as a sophomore is challenging in some ways, but also beneficial in some. Last year, as a freshman, I always heard the stereotypes of each sorority. Some were considered “cliquey”, some were considered “not popular”, but I blurred out all of those stereotypes during recruitment. I walked in with an open mind and kept telling myself over and over again, “Trust the process. Whatever is meant to be, will be”. With every room that I walked into, I kept that thought in the back of mind, and took careful notes on why or why not I think I would fit in with each group of girls.
I’m not going to lie, not getting called back to some sororities stung. I kept repeating all of the conversations in my head from each round, and instantly became my own worst critic. But, after talking to my recruitment counselor, I realized that I just have to trust the process and keep a huge smile on my face. I quickly forgot about the sororities that were eliminated and focused on the ones that I was narrowed down to. This part of the recruitment process was such an exciting yet overwhelming time!
In the end, I was narrowed down to two wonderful sororities, and now it was up to me to choose which one I could call home. After much thought, I realized that I would find my home in Zeta Tau Alpha. I am so happy I went through the recruitment process, because if I didn’t, I would not have 170 other girls I can call my sisters. To anyone hesitant about joining a sorority, my best advice is to go in with an open mind. You might have your assumptions for each sorority, but I swear, recruitment will change that! You will quickly realize that you have to follow your heart in order to find your home. That’s exactly what I did, and I could not be more blessed. I am so excited to be a part of such an amazing sisterhood, and cannot wait to see what the future holds!