|
The next morning, we got our invites to 2 Party Day, or Preference. I wasn't surprised at all to see
1. Arya
2. Catelyn
I fleetingly felt a little badly about Ygritte - after all, I had really liked them, they had a lovely house, and my friend "Shelley" would probably be there. I just liked Catelyn and Arya more. I was also thrilled to learn that my new friend "Tamara" from the dorms was also going back to Arya for Preference. She was totally laid back and fun to hang out with, and it would be reassuring to have a built-in PNM friend at Preference.
I have no recollection of what I wore to Preference, and I didn't take good notes that day. I can only assume it wasn't anything that caused sweat or limb maiming issues, or I'm sure I'd have written that down!
Arya was my first Preference party, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I was greeted by one of 'Debbie's good friends who was also a senior. After a few minutes of talking in a large group, we were led into a smaller room with the lights dimmed and candles lit. Each senior spoke about how being an Arya had changed her for the better during her college journey, and it was very emotional. Then several girls who had experienced difficulties in college spoke about how her Arya sisters were there for them, and how the sisterhood had banded together to support them beyond their expectations. I thought how comforting that would have been when I went through all the bad stuff with my family in the previous couple of years. The girls were very open, very honest and real, yet still managed to have a wry sense of humor. Finally, candles were handed around the circle and all the members lit their candles from one another. The each PNM was handed a candle and was asked to light her candle from a member's candle. They talked about how easily our lights can be blown out by life's circumstances, and that the Arya sisterhood was always there to relight our flame. I was very touched, and had tears in my eyes. Several girls were outright crying and were being hugged by members. I saw 'Tamara' was also touched. Then we all blew out our candles and the party ended with more small talk as the members walked us to the door, singing a very pretty and emotional song. It was the first time I'd seen the more serious and emotional side of Arya, and I felt like they were the total package. If I'd been asked to choose right then, I would have happily pledged Arya.
Next I walked to Catelyn. I saw my good friend "Suzanne" for the first time right at the door, so we walked in together and stuck together for the whole party. It was so good to see her and catch up, as I hadn't seen her at all during Rush. We were met by her sisters and all their friends, and a few other PNM friends from high school joined our group. We were just one big happy family, and we all were giddy with the joy of catching up and being together! The Catelyn preference was less subdued than Arya had been, and more upbeat. We all formed a big circle, and each girl was asked to say how she hoped sorority life would change her life for the better. I felt very nervous about saying the 'right' thing and can't remember what I said, but I guess I did ok because I didn't write down what I said. All the members shared what they thought it would be like to be in a sorority when they pledged, and then how their perceptions had changed over the years. It was so honest and refreshing to hear these older girls share some of the same fears and hesitations I'd felt about going through rush! They then sang a few songs and the president talked about both the tangible and intangible benefits of being in a sisterhood. They didn't seem to be selling Catelyn hard at all, but rather showing the PNMs that sisters really care and are your support system no matter what. I felt really happy and was having so much fun with old friends and new. I knew without a doubt that I would not only fit in at Catelyn, but that I would have tons of fun and be glad I joined!
Too soon the party was over, and we headed back to the dorms. 'Suzanne' asked me on the way back what I thought, and said that her sisters said they were all really hoping I would become a Catelyn. She verified that, of course, she herself was going to choose Catelyn and squeezed my hand. She told me to follow my heart, but that she couldn't lie - she was hoping I would be her sister, too.
Now I had a really hard decision to make. Catelyn or Arya? I didn't have much time to decide, and I was going to have to really search my soul. The parties had been very different in tone, but each very good in its own way. I felt very comfortable in both houses. I had adored my time at Arya until I got to Catelyn, where I felt almost giddy with happiness and belonging. This was a very hard choice to make, and I had no idea what the 'right' choice would be.
|