Originally I didn't even want to go greek, but one of my friends at the time somehow persuaded me to go for it. I went over to another sorority house for lunch one day, and I was not well received. I was given dirty looks and was made to feel like an outsider. At that point I almost didn't turn my formal recruitment application in!
By chance, that night Pi Phi was having their annual Snow Days event. This is where the girls go outside of our union steps and serve s'mores and hot chocolate. One of my friends in the dorm asked if I wanted to go and get some food so I tagged along. Once I got there I recognized some of my friends from class! I had no idea that they were Pi Phi's. (This was due to the fact that at the time she was a pledge and wasn't wearing letters or her badge.) I talked with some of the girls and left with some of their info.
Again by chance, the next day I had to run to one of my classes to turn in a take home exam. It was pouring down rain and was just miserable outside. I was walking out the door and held the door open for a girl named Amy. We struck up small talk about the weather, and she mentioned she had a long walk ahead of her. I asked where she lived, and she said Pi Phi! (Our house is one of the furthest houses away from the school.) I mentioned that I went to Snow Days and that some of my friends were in her house. She asked me to come back to the house for a tour, and I followed. I remember being very wary because I was afraid of being treated like the other sorority girls treated me. However, this was not the case! Amy's roommate tagged along with us, and she showed me around. I felt at ease as soon as I got there. There was a girl in the tv room eating supper, and she invited me to stay and didn't act like I was a stranger or anyone new. Everyone I met treated me very warmly, even the housemom! After that I was determined to be a Pi Phi.
Anyway, flashforward to formal recruitment. I was dead set on Pi Phi going in, but my first day of conversations wasn't the best. But I still hung in there because I knew that I had felt at home before. The second day really stands out to me. While talking with one of the girls I somehow mentioned that one of my friends from high school had recently died, and I told her the story of how my band director was furious at me for missing the trip because of her funeral. The sister was so sympathetic and concerned about me. It made such a wonderful impression that someone I didn't know could care that much! The next night at Pref also made a huge impact. I was preffed by my friends, and I remember tearing up during the ceremony. I knew it was meant to be. It has to be fate because my birthday is on April 28! You just can't beat that.
