[pumpkinpie]

Pref Day was here at last! I didn’t sleep, could barely eat, and couldn’t keep my hands from quivering. I was so nervous! We could only be invited to a maximum of two parties this day, and I was praying I’d get my top two houses. I got all dolled up and met with my Rho Gamma group to receive my schedule one last time. I tore it open to reveal – Sally and Oogie Boogie! I wasn’t too disappointed that Dr. Finklestein had released me, but was a little surprised that Mayor had dropped me and Oogie Boogie had invited me back. But I had been lucky, as most of the girls in my Rho Gamma group had been released by all of their top houses, and many had only gotten one Pref party. Trusting that it would all be for the best (and absolutely delighted I’d been invited back by Sally!), I headed off to my first party of the day, Oogie Boogie.

Oogie Boogie – I was met at the door by my Pref buddy, who ended up being the girl I’d talked with during the Philanthropy Night party. Because she’d come off as disinterested and a bit rude the night before, I’ll admit I was disappointed. The Oogie Boogie Pref ceremony, however, was very sweet, and you could tell the sisters were enjoying themselves. After the Oogie Boogies finished singing a final song, the PNMs sat with their Pref buddies to chat for the rest of the party. My Pref buddy did nothing to change my opinion of her, and dominated most of our conversation. She also asked me what other house I was visiting today – something my Rho Gammas said later was a big no-no! She spoke as if I were guaranteed a bid (“Once you join Oogie Boogie…” “Later this week we’ll…” “You’ll love Bid Night tonight!” etc.), which made me a little uncomfortable. She made me feel like I should already be committed to Oogie Boogie, but I managed to remain vague throughout the rest of the party. I left the Pref party knowing that Oogie Boogie wasn’t the house for me.

Sally – I was equally nervous and excited for this party! They were my last remaining favorite house, so I knew I had to put my best foot forward. At this party, the PNMs were led in to stand facing a group of active Sallys, who sang softly as we entered. We were then called one-by-one to join our Pref buddies, who led us to sit at one of several large tables set up along one end of the room. My Pref buddy was a girl I’d met during Go Greek night and hadn’t gotten to know well, so I was worried that we wouldn’t have much to talk about. It turned out that we got along great! We had the same favorite TV shows and movies, listened to similar music, and had both decided to join a sorority for the same reasons. After everyone had talked for a good half hour or so, we were gathered together again for the second half of the Preference ceremony. This part was very very touching, and most girls – including myself – were in tears. I felt that this chapter could truly be my home for the next four years! I gave my Pref buddy a tight hug as I left the party, and mentioned how much I’d loved getting to know her and Sally in general.


I nearly sprinted from the party to fill out my final Preference form. After the Pref parties, I knew exactly where my heart lay – at Sally. Despite the disappointment I’d felt when Jack and Zero had released me, I realized that I’d always loved Sally, even before going through Recruitment. And so I considered decided to do something “bad” – suicide bidding. For anyone going through Recruitment later this year or anytime in the future, do NOT do this!

In the end, I chose to use my better judgement and rank both houses:
1 - Sally
2 - Oogie Boogie

I happily signed my Pref form and headed home, looking forward to the next morning: Bid Day.