WHAT THE FIRST FEW WEEKS IN A SORORITY ARE LIKE

Marissa Parisi

Formal recruitment is coming up and the weekend before spring semester will be busy for those looking to join a sorority in the Panhellenic Council here at AU.

Maybe you’re already planning what organizations you like the best. Maybe you don’t really think Greek life is for you. Or maybe you’re not sure yet. That’s ok! I joined Sigma Kappa this fall and the first few weeks have been exciting, but honestly, not all of it has been what I expected.

So what are the first few weeks like after you accept your bid?

Well to start, you should know that recruitment weekend will be hectic. You will get a chance to talk to each organization, so you will be chatting with a lot of girls. Everyone has a lot of fun though, so don’t be intimidated because they are there to get to know you.

Now let’s say after the weekend, you decide to accept a bid and join one of the sororities at AU. What happens now?

One thing you’ll do is start going to philanthropy events. Whether they’re for your own sorority’s philanthropies or for another organization, you are sure to have fun and raise money for a great cause. I went to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on the National Mall, and it was a great way to meet more sisters and give back to something I’m passionate about.

You’ll also get a big! A big is one of your sorority sisters who becomes a mentor when you need advice or just someone to hang out with. They’ll give you lots of presents and help you feel welcomed in the organization. From your big, you will also meet your family in the sorority including your big’s big

and possibly your twin if you get one. Your twin is another new member that shares the same big as you.

One thing I didn’t expect was how much I’d learn about my sorority’s history in the first couple of weeks. Learning from my sisters about how my sorority started and what we value made me feel like I was part of something really important and that I could grow a lot as a person from it.

You will become really close with fellow new members in the first couple of weeks, too. You learn a lot together and spend time with each other so they may become your best friends. Make sure to enjoy the beginning of your new membership together!

Although you will probably get closest with the other new members, you will also be making friends with your older sisters. Be prepared to gain a lot of followers on Instagram because your sisters will be so excited to connect with you! Sisters may ask you to get coffee, study or grab lunch so they can get to know you. I got to know a lot of sisters at The Bridge because it’s a great place to hang out.

The first few weeks are fun, but can be overwhelming. You should expect to meet a lot of people in a short amount of time and get busy with events very quickly. My advice is to go at your own pace and not to worry if you don’t know everyone’s name immediately or if you have class during a philanthropy event. Everyone else in your organization has gone through this and they will understand.

Visit AU’s Fraternity & Sorority Life webpage to get more information on signing up for spring recruitment and AU’s sororities. And visit each organization’s social media to learn about them before the spring!