#usf15

I’m not the stereotypical “sorority girl”. The word “srat” is nowhere in my vocabulary, and I place absolutely no value on “TSM”. I am a terrible crafter, I will never be the ideal housewife, I’m here to get a science degree not an MRS degree, and I am far, far more than a stereotype. My parents are European, and frankly, after almost two years of being in my chapter I am still not sure they understand what a sorority is. So, it’s understandable, I did not come to USF intending to ever join a sorority.   

I got along fine before I was in my sorority. I had friends, I had great grades, I had fun. Life was okay. Looking back on it now, I suppose I always knew something was missing, I just never knew what exactly. Commuting for half of my freshman year, and then spending the other half trying to avoid my residence hall, I felt little connection to my university, and even considered transferring. Sophomore year I vowed things would be different. I soon became close friends with many women in sororities and, from the outside, watched their Greek Life experience: their close friendships, and their philanthropic contributions. A thought brewed in my subconscious: maybe I should join a sorority. 

 Realizing I would be going through as a third year, and technically a junior, I thought I was at a disadvantage. Sure, I was a double major, and had three years left, but why would any chapters want me when they could have a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed freshman with 4 years to dedicate to a chapter? I heard the cautionary tales from other schools and fraternity men: “sororities don’t like upperclassmen.” Going into recruitment, I was prepared for the worst. I teeter-tottered for months leading up to recruitment, but I was committed to my decision. And even though, my stomach was in knots and I was convinced I would be released from the process on the first day, I was at least going to try it.

Recruitment is an absolute whirlwind of emotions. You will repeat yourself approximately 34320993 times, and you will be beyond excited to do so. You will cry, you will be uncomfortable, and you will probably be confused the majority of the time. I had a lot of friends in different chapters, so I assumed that I would join one of these chapters, but, to my surprise, I grew continuously more attached to one particular chapter whom I knew no one in. Keeping an open mind, I continued to return to this chapter; slowly realizing this was my home. On bid day, I ran home to this very chapter who, though strangers at the time, are now my best friends, confidants, and mentors. I’ve never once regretted my decision to go through recruitment as an upperclassman.

 For upperclassmen going through recruitment the process is different. During formal recruitment, each chapter may extend bids to as many juniors and seniors as they would like. Sororities, therefore, look for juniors and seniors who align with their values and will fit into their sisterhood. Hence, if you are being yourself, keeping an open mind, and truly trying to establish connections with chapter members, you will find your true “home away from home” at USF, even as an upperclassmen.

 I hear many upperclassmen worry that they will not get the full “sorority experience” because they are going through later. I am the absolute contradiction to this. Within a year, I served as an officer and Executive Board member of my chapter. A year and a half after running home, I became Panhellenic President, where I have been honored to serve an incredible community of women, and establish lifelong friendships with women beyond my organization. I have met my bridesmaids, I have served as a mentor to a little sister, I have had the most fun I could ever dream of, I have become a better leader and a better person, and I have made an impact. It’s never too early and it’s never too late to change your life!

For the women even considering going through recruitment, I say: