Greek life recruitment, also known as sorority rush, is full of emotions. For some girls, it all plays out exactly as they wanted. They will end the process jumping up and down with excited shrieks and hugging their sisters on bid night. For other girls, it does not go as planned. They will open their letters to find bids from sororities other than what they wanted. Some may end the process with no bid at all. It will be OK in the end, even if it may not seem like it at the moment.
If you are the newest member of a sorority that you are not excited about or that was not your first choice, I encourage you to give it a try. Receiving a bid means the members of that sorority saw something in you, and they think you would be a good fit for their chapter. This alone can be gratifying and exciting!
It is hard for you to know what a sorority will be like in its entirety after only a few questions over an extended weekend. There will be lots of events to socialize with the active members and get to know the girls in your pledge class. This creates the opportunity to form deeper connections and to better understand how you fit into the chapter.
After some time goes by, you may or may not end up loving your sorority. Regardless of which category you fall into, you can take something positive away from the experience. Whether it be that the cliche comes true and you find your future bridesmaids or that you made one fun memory at a formal, there is something to gain.
I also think it is important to keep in mind that nothing is permanent. If, after giving it time, the sorority still does not feel like a great match, it is easy to no longer be affiliated by dropping the sorority. If this winds up being your end result, you can find comfort in the fact that you gave it your best effort and, unfortunately, it did not end up working out. You can then invest your time in something else that gives you more fulfillment.
Now, going back to bid night, if you did not end up matching with a sorority, this certainly can feel devastating. That makes sense, and there are other girls in the same position. Take time to acknowledge your emotions and reactions. There are other options for joining a sorority, such as through the continuous open bidding process later on in the year.
Also note that there are many other opportunities to get involved in organizations on campus, and Greek life is not the be-all and end-all. Other college clubs can provide similar environments and experiences. Service clubs provide the philanthropic component of Greek life, and religious organizations, sports clubs, a cappella groups, and others can provide the siblinghood and social component.
When it comes to sorority rush, rejection after a long and tiring process can feel devastating. Indeed, it is disappointing when things do not go your way. It is essential to remember, however, that while Greek life can be beneficial for many, sorority chapters and the outcomes of sorority rush have no reflection on your worth as a person.