A year ago this month, I took the leap and went out for Millersville Univerity’s Panhellenic recruitment, and ended up getting a bid to the sisterhood I call my home. It was an anxiety-inducing, nerve-wracking process, and even though my head hurt from Zoom call after Zoom call and I was still on a caffeine rush the next day, I wouldn’t change anything. In honor of recruitment taking place this upcoming weekend here at Millersville, I just thought I would reflect on how a sorority has truly changed my life and has made my college experience that much more memorable.
Before college, I was a shy girl who was scared to be herself and get herself out there and make friends. I came into college the same way, and because of the pandemic, I didn’t get a true college start like everyone else did. My orientation was all online, as well as my classes, and I was still living at home at that point, resulting in me making no connections at the place I would call home for the next four years. In the spring I moved on campus, friendless, nervous, and unhappy. My parents told me to get myself out there, and although I was frequently writing for HerCampus and doing what I loved, I felt like something was missing in my life. My cousin is in a sorority, and my mom thought it would maybe be a good idea to go through recruitment, and after thinking about it for a long, LONG time, I decided to say “screw it” and sign up. The weekend of recruitment was a wild rush, and although I don’t remember most of it due to my nerves, I remember just how at home I felt with the sisterhood I ended up running home to. And when I got my bid, it was euphoric.
Ever since then, I have completely changed as a person, and I changed for the better. An old friend from high school shared with me that I was different and more confident when he last saw me, and I definitely feel that way. I am not scared to speak up for what I believe in and even though I often think I am not the traditional sorority girl because of my humor and personality, my sisters don’t think me out of place and embrace and celebrate my funniness (throwback to when I dressed up like a hotdog for my sorority!)! I have also had the honor of gaining leadership positions this semester, and as I serve on the executive board alongside an amazing group of women, I feel like I truly belong and have a say in my sisterhood. I have met so many wonderful people, and was welcomed with open arms. It feels nice to know that I have a whole group of girls behind my back if anything ever goes wrong. The best thing that my sisterhood has had to offer was the close friendships I have gained. Getting my big made me realize just how worth it this entire experience is, and I am so happy I can call her one of my best friends. If it wasn’t for this sorority, I wouldn’t have known her otherwise. I also am able to call a friend I went to middle school with my sister, and we have gotten so much closer because of it (shout out to the roomie!!)
To any possible new members thinking of joining a sorority, whether they be at Millersville or any other school, I say to step outside of your comfort zone and do it! Sororities may be time commitments, but I wouldn’t want to spend my time doing anything else. The opportunities I have been given from being a sister of my chapter has been so rewarding, and if I didn’t take this risk a year ago, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. Sororities tend to have a bad stereotype toward them, however I feel like I am a better, more well rounded person who belongs to something amazing, and I feel like anyone could benefit from a sisterhood like mine.
HCXO,
Bri