I wish, for the sake of my story, that I had wonderful descriptions of Preference like honeychile’s and nut’s. Alas, my memories are hazy and Preference at Maryland at the time was pretty standard. The night was still filled with magic and beauty though.
Soccer – Robin met me as I came through the door and I just wanted to hug her. The sisters were, as I recall, all in black dresses and wearing their lovely pins. The Preference ceremony was beautiful but I had trouble focusing on it. I felt so comfortable with Robin and with all the girls I had met at this chapter but, obviously, many other thoughts were occupying my mind.
My next Preference party was very close by so I had a few extra minutes to think about things. I really adored the girls in Soccer. I didn’t care about people’s religion, but then I started to think about the way things were in high school. My high school was about 85% Jewish. All my friends from home were Jewish. In general I never gave much thought to anyone’s religion, but there had been times growing up when I definitely felt like an odd-ball. Did I want to join a sorority with girls that I loved yet continue to feel a bit out of place? Ugh! I didn’t even want to think about it. I put it all out of my mind as the next Preference party was about to begin.
Water Skiing – When I walked into the house, Andrea came and took my arm. I was really happy to be with Andrea. She had been so accepting of me throughout Rush and I felt happy and secure at Water Skiing. The atmosphere was very quiet and solemn. Here too, the sisters were all in black dresses and wearing their beautiful pins. There was a large bouquet of flowers in the shape of the symbol of their sorority. The ceremony was very touching. Some girls spoke about how much Water Skiing meant to them. I cried. They sang songs. I cried. There was something magical about this sorority. Before I left, Andrea gave me a letter she had written to me and then gave me a gentle hug.
After Preference, I got on the shuttle and read my letter from Andrea. I cried again. At that point all my worries from before were gone. I completely loved
Water Skiing and wanted to call it my home. Regardless of the concerns I had had earlier about
Soccer, I was certain I would feel the same way. Something had just happened during Preference that turned everything around.
Before I went home I had to stop and sign my card. I put
Water Skiing first and
Soccer second.
I'll post more later today.
Hybrid Mode
