I had always known I wanted to be a part of a sorority. Having gone to an all-girls school for high school, I was accustomed to being a part of a sisterhood, constantly surrounded by girls who both supported and cared for me. Going into my first year at Florida State though, I decided to hold off on a sorority. So, no, I do not have your typical, anxiety-filled fall rush week experience. But, although sometimes I wish I had rushed in the fall, I am very happy with my decision to wait until Spring COB (Continuous Open Bidding).
So, before I get to why this was the best option for me, I think it is important to explain how Spring COB works. For Spring Recruitment, the sororities with available spots host events for potential new members to attend. Yes, not all 17 of FSU’s sororities will be involved with Spring COB. But, I think the best part of COB is how it is so much more casual than structured recruitment. You get to go to fun events of the sororities that interest you and get to talk to girls for two hours or more as opposed to the 30 minutes you would get in the fall. I feel like because of this, I actually got to know the girls in my chapter and see how I fit in with them (and for them to see how I fit in with the chapter) before being offered a bid. It is much more real because you are having real conversations with girls who may potentially become your sisters.
I waited until Spring to rush a sorority because one, my parents made me, and two, I wanted to get a handle on college before getting involved with something so expensive and time-consuming. But about midway through the first semester, I began missing the joy I had when I had been a part of a sisterhood. I no longer had that constant support system I had come to know. I had started to become a bit of a mess, losing touch with the values I held important. I think even my mother and grandmother realized that I needed to rush.
Joining a sorority has been one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself (along with coming to Florida State). It has given me some of the greatest friends, even though I have only been a sister for a short time. I know that every single one of these girls will have my back when I’m at my lowest and it feels so good to see many familiar faces roaming campus. Even walking into our house is full of relief and comfort. My sorority has truly become my home away from home.
