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Okay, just making sure as this story does lack all the FR (pref night, bid day, etc.) fun!
First, I went to a party at South. It was philanthropy-based, supposedly, and we were making valentines for children, though a lot of girls were making them for the houseboys; this kind of turned me off as it seemed like they weren't really committed to their philanthropy. Given how well I had gotten along with the girls at the meet and greet, I was really surprised by how awkward the conversations felt this night. I got a definite "party/fashion-conscious" feel from this house, and I really didn't feel like I'd "fit" in here. I did talk to the president who seemed like a very sweet girl, but overall, my time here seemed to drag on uncomfortably. Additionally, the house felt dark and not very home-like at all. I left South feeeling shocked--my opinion about them did a complete 180, though I still tried to stay on very good terms with the girls in case I decided to go another event and just because I did want to be nice.
A few days later, I went to a dessert party at East, my other top choice. Actually, I went to the second of two dessert parties, as they were supposed to give me a ride to the first one (they offered rides to PNMs, as our houses are off campus) but there was some sort of miscommunication, and they didn't show. For some reason, they were only willing to pick me up to go the second half of the party, too, which seemed odd. First of all, East's house was beautiful and felt very warm and welcoming! I sat down in the living room by a few girls, including one I felt like I had connected well with at the meet and greet. However, the president of the house proceeded to talk to me individually for the entire 45 minutes I was there! She was nice and very helpful in answering my questions, but it would have been nice to talk other girls, too. I probably over-asked about parties, as I thought (idiotically, looking back) that was what sororities looked for in a member, even though parties aren't really my thing. I also asked about their philanthropy, which seemed really fun and interesting. Despite the slightly strange experiences, I left East still loving it and hoping that I would get invited back to another event.
I orginally wasn't planning to go an event at North, but I had nothing to do that particular night and the event (a game/TV show night) sounded fun, so I went to meet the members and other PNMs who would be walking to house. To my surprise, North had a beautiful house, though not at all decorated in their colors! It wasn't as fancy as East but did feel very much like a home. The girls were very laid and very, very welcoming, one even offering to let me borrow her chemistry model kit, so I wouldn't have to buy my own (I had had a chemistry test that day, so we talked a bit about the class) and her generousity to a stranger surprised and delighted me! Next, the PNMs and some members sat down to play Apples to Apples. This was a ridicuously fun game and included cards the members had made up with inside jokes, which they let the PNMs in on. The conversation was very relaxed and free-flowing, and I felt like I was already part of the group! The members seemed diverse politically and in terms of interest and appearence, but it seemed like they really got along well, and I really hit it off with a girl who I had met briefly at the meet and greet. I felt like I could really, truly be myself here. After playing Apples to Apples, we headed into the TV room where a bunch of members gathered to watch Grey's Anatomy, a show I had never seen. Again, I was really impressed by how funny and laid-back the members were and how they seemed like they were really, truly good friends. I left North amazed, delighted, and hoping beyond all else that I would be invited back.
Over the next few days, I waited anaxiously and talked to my parents, both non-Greeks who were more worried I'd be hazed to death than anything else. I had LOVED North but still had a lot of affection for East and their mansion-like home. What, too, if I had written South off too quickly? I had loved them the first round. I got exciting and encouraging news from North but part of me was still unsure about what to do. I wasn't 100% solid on my decision until I few days later when I received a call from South inviting me to a mocktail party at their house that night. I was flattered but told the caller that I couldn't come, seeing as I had just accepted my bid from....
North!
Better known as...
Delta Gamma!!
One and a half years later, I am incredibly happy with my choice!!!!! I think the main things I learned going through recruitment were to a) not let first impressions define your view of a chapter (looking back on it, my first impressions of all of the houses definitley had some flaws) and b) to present yourself as who you are, not who you think a "sorority girl" is. The right chapter is a place where you can be you! And the girl I hit it off with so well at the game night? She's now my amazing Big Sister and and wonderful friend....
If anyone wants to know the school or the code, just ask...
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