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Pref Night Parties
Miami - I was really nervous standing outside of Miami. I felt like everyone around me knew that I had this pity invite... also, I was nervous how the girls would treat me. Would they be glad I was back or consider me a lost cause and stick me in a corner? Would I be able to talk to Lauren? I hoped so. They came out in pairs, holding candles, singing a low and pretty song about their chapter. They ended up parting at the base of their porch and walked out onto their lawn to form a semi-circle.
Then, the last person out the door was their president (who I had met on Day 2). She opened a white book and began to read a verse about Miami. All of the sister recited the verse with her. When they were finished, the president began to welcome each girl into the house individually. When she called our names, a sister would step up and meet us. The sister that met me was someone I had never met before.
She was really nice and was aware of my situation. As we settled into their gorgeous living room, she told me that they were honored I was back. She asked if I had any lingering questions. I didn't really, but I think I made up a few to keep conversation going. A few minutes later, Lauren came by and the initial girl left. Lauren handed me several letters written by various sisters, including her. Each of the letters was sweet and told me how much I was wanted by Miami, but I still wasn't giving it much of a shot. Lauren told me again that she wanted me to follow my heart and that we would be friends no matter what. But this time she did say, can you imagine how great it would be to be sisters though? I could, but I knew I needed to join a chapter for more than just one person.
Next, they ushered us into a dimly lit room with tons of flowers, real candles, and their symbol. Their ceremony was brief, but touching. We passed candlelight around the room (like at a Christmas eve service) and then were given the opportunity to light an unlit candle that symbolize our place in their sisterhood. They sang some pretty songs and then it was over. Lauren picked me back up, I handed my letters and candle to a girl holding a tray and went outside.
The Miami's sang to us as the party ended. It was a slow beautiful song, and then they continue to sing as they walked back into their house. I had shut off emotion, but I really wanted to cry. I could see myself there, but I didn't want to see myself there. I wanted to see myself somewhere that I perceived to be better.
Atlanta - I went straight to the Atlanta house. While I was there, I realized that I knew more girls waiting outside than I did at Miami. I liked them more, could see myself being great friends with them. I was already feeling like this would definitely be my home. Like at Miami, the sisters came out singing. The sister who picked me up was the same one who I had on skit. She took me into their house through their back door, telling me that they do this on preference so that we can feel at home. Sisters don't need to use the front door or something like that!
I am immediately seated on a white chair, and my rusher sits at my feet. We are facing a large screen and there are twinkle lights and flowers all over the room. The remaining chapter members line the walls of the room, each holding a candle. Their ceremony is really nice. There's less singing than at Miami. It's more of a reflection of a year in the life of an Atlanta. They show us a slideshow of their last pledge class, from bid day through this year's rush. Then they talk about growth, sisterhood and their bond. I am loving it -- goosebumps all the way.
When the ceremony concludes, my rusher guides me into a very dimly lit room with tables. Another sister, a senior she tells me, is there waiting for me. On the table are two glasses of mock champagne, their flower and a copy of their symphony (beautifully illustrated and with my name on it). Why do sorority girls love to see our names on things so much, anyway??? I am in awe.
I have never met the senior member before, but I feel at home with her. She tells me that the reason I am there tonight is because I exemplify their values, their symphony, their motto. She says that her sisters want me (oral bid alert!) and have a place for me there. I tell her I want the same thing. She says you were born to be an Atlanta, you have always been an Atlanta at heart and tomorrow you can officially be one.
All of the things she is saying make me want to cry, because I want more than anything to be an Atlanta. I know that must be the reason why the sorority's alumnae were so helpful to me... they saw that I was an Atlanta too! I should be here. As they walk us out the door, she says to me in a whisper, I will see you tomorrow right? And of course, I say yes. And then she tells me to wait outside, they have one more song.
The chapter then starts to sign a really cute fun song, although quietly, about how much they have waited for us to be sisters. It is so cute, and tells me not only are the Atlanta's serious about their sisterhood, they are light hearted and fun too!
So I head back to the student center and get my pref card. I try to take a few minutes to think because it is a big decision. I know what I want to do, but I am waiting for some kind of sign that tells me I am right, because I feel like I had totally misjudged the Chicago thing, and I don't want to misjudge this too! I never get a sign, so I simply rank them as expected.
1. Atlanta
2. Miami
Remember that we had our little lock in? Well it lasted for forever because one chapter's list crashed and they had to start over again. While we were waiting, we all talked about what we had preffed and formed little groups based on that. I took tons of pictures with the other girls who had preffed Atlanta and we played games and ate pizza together.
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