Just to recap a little bit on my journey in Greek life for those of you who are newer readers of my blog: when I transferred colleges after my freshman year, I went through Formal Recruitment in September 2013 and was so excited to be going Greek at my new school. I fell in love with Alpha Delta Pi on the first night of recruitment, and was ecstatic to be offered a Bid to join ADPi at the conclusion of recruitment.
My Bid Day in Fall 2013!! (Only two years ago but I feel like I look so young here... and my hair was so short!) |
Older members of my sorority told me that the first year as a member of any sorority is often the hardest. Looking back, I would definitely agree with that. While my first year in ADPi did have some very special memories (like getting matched with Jess, my Big, and getting to experience all of the sorority traditions for the first time), getting used to Greek life was overwhelming at times as well. I was ready for the year to be over and excited to start my second year in the chapter!
Shirting a new member on Bid Day 2014. |
Throwing Diamonds at Churchill Downs in Kentucky during my internship with the FCA. |
All of my prior experiences in ADPi and Greek life are what prepared me for this year's recruitment season. My college holds sorority recruitment near the end of September each year, which means that all of the chapters have about a month of practices and preparations to prepare for the main event. It is definitely an undertaking!
Despite the time commitment, I thought that recruitment this year would be such a breeze, since I had already been through the ADPi side before. I couldn't really picture myself being emotional through the process at all, and I was just ready to get it going.
^ HAHA. Well, I was in for quite the surprise.
The month of September continued on, and with each week of recruitment practices, I found myself getting more and more emotional. I became emotional for a lot of reasons: that although recruitment is such a huge undertaking- that is was my last year of it and I knew I would kinda miss it in the future, it was hitting me that I was actually a senior (and OLD!), and I was also nervous about the fact that I had a personal connection to a few of the girls who were going through recruitment this year. The time commitment of sorority recruitment is also insane. My chapter frequently had weeknight practices until midnight or 1 am.
A pre-recruitment photoshoot that my sisters did! |
Finally, the main event was here! Night one of recruitment was on Friday, September 25th, and the second and third rounds were on Saturday, September 26th. Bid Day was Sunday, September 27th. The Charlotte weather did not cooperate with the Greek life calendar, and all of these days fell in the middle of two weeks of rain.
Senior sisters in the chapter. |
Our sweet President, Emily! |
Lilly Pulitzer letter twins with my sister Jamilynne! |
I didn't get any pictures during round two on Saturday morning, because my school actually experienced a power outage right before the round began, due to the weather!! Everything had to be postponed a couple of hours, so there was no time for pictures.
Night three of recruitment with Julie, my Little! |
Night three with sweet Mary. |
Round three of recruitment, or Preference Round, was absolutely wonderful. I cried, I laughed, and there were moments when my heart literally felt like it was going to burst with pride for ADPi. I couldn't wait for the next day.
I do have one question for you, is it harder to get a bid when you are a second or third year? The university I attend doesn't have greek life, but I am transferring and I really want to rush!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a blast!
xoxo Lex // LexMeetsWorld
LOVE this recap. You were so young in that photo from 2013! Bid Day must have been such a rush of emotion for you. Your happiness shines through!
ReplyDeleteAlessandra | blog.pumpup.com
LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI miss bid day so much. It really was one of the best days of each year.
I didn't have any best friends join my sorority but that's because I joined my freshman year and didn't know anyone younger than me coming through.
Although a few of the members coming through the year after me did become my best friends over time which was so fun.
I'm so happy you had this experience!
xoxo, Jenny
This is seriously such a sweet story! I loved reading more about your sorority experience and welcoming one of your best friends as your sorority sister (so special!) Your story definitely made me nostalgic for my sorority experience, I was only in a sorority for 2 years (because I also transferred schools) but my memories truly makeup my college experience. So glad you have had such a positive experience with Alpha Delta Pi (that is my bestie's sorority too by the way)!
ReplyDeleteReading about your Bid Day experience gave me all the feels. It took me right back to my college days and how emotional the whole process is (in a good way)!
ReplyDeleteThis is the cutest thing ever. You melt my heart. Words can't even explain the feelings I had going through recruitment and finally being welcomed home. I couldn't have done it without your love and support. You're amazing.
ReplyDeleteAs you well know, I didn't rush in college.... but posts like these make me wish I did!
ReplyDeleteSororities give you the opportunity to meet people you might never have before and a network that will always be there for you after graduation - so great to be a part of one! x Nicole | www.changeanddress.com
ReplyDeleteSo so cute! I wish Greek life was bigger at UM but it really isn't... I was in a sorority for a semester but dropped it! The first year is definitely the hardest... I couldn't adjust!
ReplyDeleteLauren
www.thefashionistasdiary.com
You are so adorable and I am totally in love with these pictures. My sorority really made college so interesting and fun. I met a lot of amazing people and participated in incredible opportunities. Your Churchill Downs picture is awesome!
ReplyDeleteNicole // Chronicling Home
Such a cute t shirt ideas! Looks like os much fun!
ReplyDeletewww.kayleighskloset.com
Ahh, it was great reading about your journey through recruitment! I had friends in ADPi who absolutely love it and were really nice to share their stories with me as well!
ReplyDeletexx, Southwestern Prepster
Ahhh I love reading stuff like this! It's so fun to see how it's done at other campuses... That's so exciting though and what great decorations!!
ReplyDeleteYou should check out my company for your chapter. It's called Frill Clothing and we do recruitment clothing, letter shirts, graphic tees and sorority totes for both bulk order and individuals! Plus, we were just on Shark Tank!
xo,
Sara Kate Styling
Frill Clothing
I was greek in college (I am ADPI too) and it was one of the best decisions I made. Many of the people I consider my best friends were active with me. One thing I can say is that when you out of college and start living your lives with kids and full-time jobs it is hard to keep up with people but when you do get together, it's like it was in college. I do have to say that I do have friends that weren't in the same sorority as me (one is a Zeta and the other is a Phi Mu). Being greek is about the connection of being apart of something that is bigger than you. I am from the "Land of Greek Life" (I live in Alabama and went to a smaller school) and being greek is just something you do especially if you are a legacy.
ReplyDeleteNavia
vulnaviajohnson.com
What a sweet post! I totally understand the rule about not speaking to PNMs, but I hate that stupid rule so badly! It almost turned me off from rushing completely. So happy you get to share your sorority memories with Mia!
ReplyDeleteXO, SS || Seersucker Sass
Oh my gosh, I love all of these pictures Annaliese! I love how excited you look in all of your pictures, especially when you "shirted" your roomie! I can't wait to rush in college!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
I have always wanted to be great but I couldn't afford the fees although I got invited several times! But I am glad that you made it !!!
ReplyDeleteUrsula
www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com
What a wonderful experience! I wish I would've been involved with Greek life while I was in school!
ReplyDelete