An open letter to HPU’s new sorority women
By Maddie Travell // Organizations Editor
Dear newest member class,
Last Saturday was full of excitement, emotions and bonding amongst new girls and older members of sororities. Many of us have eagerly awaited the day when we would be accepted into a sisterhood and bid day marks the beginning of so many memories to come.
The media has popularized the image of a sorority girl, portraying various visions of sorority life that have shaped the views many people have of Greek life. Growing up, Elle Woods was an icon for the classic sorority girl of beauty and intelligence, fitting perfectly with her sorority sisters as if they were family. Then came along Sydney White who was the epitome of the girl next door, but she didn’t quite follow her expectations of joining a sorority. Finally Scream Queens is the most comedic of them all where an elite circle of Chanel’s are portrayed as ruling campus and acting as the invisible hand.
So where does that leave the rest of us? After two weeks of planning out outfits, conversing with different members of each chapter and thereby whittling down your list of sororities until the final bid is given with a balloon, bid day arrives—you’ve been accepted into the folds and are officially part of a sorority.
We often set high standards and hold a lot of expectations creating an internal turmoil of emotions during the recruitment period. The definition of sororities does not entail forcing conformity or demanding that girls change their personality or looks to fit a particular image. It’s important to keep this in mind as you embark on your journey towards initiation:
1. Congratulations!
You have made it through recruitment and were asked to join a group of girls who genuinely want you to be a part of their sisterhood.
2. Give it Time
Whether you received a bid from your top sorority or not, you can’t force instantaneous connection. If you received a bid from your top sorority that’s wonderful and you’re ready to rock and roll. If you did not, then do not make a rash decision and drop. If it’s right, you will click– whether it is the moment you accept your balloon or if it’s a semester in.
3. Allow yourself the benefit of the vantage point
Give yourself the advantage of being able to see yourself thriving amongst these girls. Open up and accept challenges to become involved within your sorority and with sisters. Take initiative and show what it means to be part of your sorority and spark inspiration.
4. True Friendships grow organically
Even if you do not immediately have someone that is your instant best friend and future bridesmaid all in one person, you will create connections with women who will be your friend, leader, or mentor. I promise you will find your person.
5. Remember to have fun
After a two-week long process through snow and freezing temperatures you finally can enjoy the girls who made you want to be a part of their sorority in the first place. Wear your sorority gear with pride and love representing a sisterhood that means so much more than just a group of girls in letters.
Each girl really will end up in the sorority where they can be completely and utterly herself and not have to worry about having to put up a front or act as though she’s 100 percent of the time. Being in a sorority should not be about the materialistic or social benefits you can reap but about creating a core group of women who will help you through your college years.