Going to college out of state was always something I had been interested in, but I was nervous about making friends. As someone who rarely puts themselves out there and hides in the shadows, I knew that making friends would be a challenging yet enjoyable experience for me. I remember the first time I ever walked into my college dorm, and I was surprised that my hometown friends weren’t just waiting there to surprise me. It took me a while to become used to being alone and adjusting to the new lifestyle I was just dropped into. Although it was scary being alone, it was comforting knowing that many other people were in the exact same situation as I was. I am sure everyone has heard the advice of leaving the door open. Sometimes, even that can be hard when you’ve left the door open, and girls just keep walking past and smiling.
I knew that if I wanted to make friends, I would have to step out of my comfort zone and try something new, so I signed up for sorority recruitment.
Throughout sorority recruitment, it was so nice to meet girls who shared a common interest and goal with me. Although the process was intimidating to me as a more reserved person, I eventually became comfortable with it. When I first walked into Kappa Delta, I was met with the most genuine and devoted girls. They were all so friendly to one another, and I knew this was a sisterhood that I wanted to be a part of. Whenever I was in the house during recruitment, whoever I was talking to never failed to put a smile on my face, no matter how my day was going. This always made my day, even though it was something so small. Once Bid Day had come around and I was able to run home to Kappa Delta, I knew I had made the right choice. Every single one of the older girls welcomed me with open arms. At that point, I knew I had found my home away from home, and I could feel the unwavering love these girls had for me and their sisters. Not only have I made lifelong friends, but I have also met my sisters and future bridesmaids. They have stood by my side throughout the good, bad and the ugly. They have also taught me many lessons that I would have otherwise never learned. I am so grateful for the recruitment process because it has not only brought me friends in my own chapter, but across the sorority community.
If I had to give you one piece of advice, it would be to put yourself out there and break out of your bubble. Although it may be challenging at first, it is ultimately rewarding. Popping that imaginary bubble that I had put myself in was the best thing that I could have ever done for myself, and it has only bettered my college experience.
