Honestly, I would never have considered myself a "typical" sorority girl, like what I saw in movies and TV, but really is there a "typical" sorority girl? I don't think so.
When I tell people I was in a sorority, they have all kinds of things to say, and most of them bad. They only see what is portrayed on TV or the movies, or their own experiences in college. There very well may be those types of sororities out there that are just like what they see, but my experience was absolutely nothing like what was on TV. I used to get mad when I would see sororities portrayed in a negative way and shedding a bad light on greek organizations, but I had to get past that. Where else would SNL get material?
I have been asked multiple times if I was hazed or what did they do to me...here is what happened...I was given gifts from my big sister before the reveal...I was sent notes and cards from sisters...I still have my fleece monogrammed blanket I received at my pledge banquet with my initiation date. I still have all of the decorations from my door from bid day. I still have my posters from my big sis from big/little week. I have memories of hanging out in the chapter room, going out to eat with my sisters, going to ball games, being treated like we had been friends for years. Why would you want to tear someone down and then call them your sister? I was given encouragement...I was given respect...I was given an opportunity to strive for that which is honorable, beautiful, and highest.
There was not one day that I was treated badly on purpose. (Of course when you get a big group of girls together, you are going to have some animosity, whether it be about boys or stress related or just plain ole estrogen running amuck...but the thought of someone making me do something I did not want to do just to be a part of a group makes me sick, and I would not have been a part of that by any means.) Of course not everyone is going to get along all the time and there were no pajama parties with pillow fights or doing each others hair (unless it was for formal), but it was so much more about being a better version of yourself - being involved in philanthropic activities - having a well-rounded college experience. I wanted to remember college for my friends, being involved, doing something more than going to class and studying...
Of course I could go on and on about all of this, but you would start yawning and I can't type that much...so on to more good times...
I can think back to a million different things to write about from my freshman year - short red dresses that my mom made for all-sing..Shamrock softball tournament where I got the worst sunburn I have ever had in my entire life (seriously had second degree burns on my legs)...the Beta house with Ashley and Martha...formal at Opryland Hotel...oh my word are there so many memories...then having to pack up my dorm room and move back home for the summer...of course that summer I would truly get what it meant to be a KD and to be in a sisterhood...
I was away at church camp and I had taken a nap (surprise). I missed lunch and went into the mess hall and for some reason decided to call home. My dad picked up and said he couldn't wake my mom. I don't know why I wasn't too worried at the time - she napped also, I just thought she was in a deep sleep. I later got a call that told me to immediately get to Vanderbilt. The next few hours replayed in my head for years and still do when I sit down to really think about it. I don't remember making the call to my big sis, but in a few hours I see her walking into the lobby of the hospital. All she had heard was Vanderbilt and she got in her car and drove to Nashville. She even stayed most of the night there with me and my family.
When rush time came around, I finally understood the entire process. It made us closer as a chapter and even though it was exhausting, those are the nights I will remember most. It was during rush that my wonderful Wal-Mart story comes into play. I don't think I had gotten much sleep in the last few days and we had to wear all black to preference night. I needed black heels, so I ran into Wal-Mart on my way to campus. I grabbed a pair, tried on one, it fit, I checked out, and went to the chapter room. I put them on in the car when I got to campus, and got out of my car and noticed something weird. I had bought two left shoes. I walked into the chapter room and burst into tears. One of the sisters took me to her apartment and let me borrow some shoes. I had cried so much and was so tired and emotional, I was a wreck. By the end of the night I was much better, but then it hit all of us that this would be the last time our chapter would be just us. We were going to be welcoming new ladies into our amazing bond.
Homecoming that year was my absolute favorite. It was just fun to hang out with my sisters and a great group of guys and put together a float. Staying up all night and being so tired you can barely keep your eyes open, then riding a float and then jumping off to walk in the parade - adrenaline definitely kicks in, but it is so worth it!!
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| Don't you just love the light wash jeans!! |
I was also in charge of our All-Sing for that year and I had a great idea to do a trains theme, so we found songs that had to do with trains and wore conductor overalls and bandanas on our heads! It was soooooo much fun!! We actually won 2nd place that year!! (I cannot find a pic right at the moment.)
I just have so many good memories of that year!! Of course I went home for the summer again - I am a homebody and loved to go home, but I also knew I would miss seeing everyone all the time.
I was excited for school to start back because I was going to have an awesome apartment and great roommates and it was going to be a great year!
To be continued....again...
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