Finding My Forever Home as an Upperclassman

Nervousness, rejected, unwanted, left out. These were the feelings that were in my head before recruitment even existed in my eyes. I transferred here my sophomore year with no friends to begin with, so having to start fresh was a challenging road ahead for me considering most people makes their friends freshman year. I always dreamed of being in a sorority like how my sister was because I always wanted to follow my sister’s footsteps as she’s a huge role model for me. When I came to Kutztown, I saw all these girls throughout the whole year who were ecstatic to be in a sorority. Was it really that enjoyable to be in one? Would I even fit in? All these thoughts rushed in my head making me second guess my choice of joining but I knew I had to concur my fear of feeling unwanted.

I was behind one semester when I came to Kutztown because of my transfer credits, so I’m considered a second semester sophomore instead of a junior. I had always heard that most sororities wouldn’t want new members that are juniors because they preferred freshman instead. I guess you could say that fear of being too old was stuck in my head throughout all of recruitment. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go through the recruitment process because I felt like I was too late on the bandwagon. I had already made friends who were apart of Greek Life on campus, but was it for me?

Starting Fall 2018 was exciting because it was finally the time, I could go through recruitment in hopes of getting a bid from one of the sororities. I went to the Welcome Back Bash before recruitment even began and I was so overwhelmed by the welcoming of each sorority. I'll be honest, I thought I had my mind made up from the beginning, but my opinions

quickly changed and DPhiE stole my heart. I came home that night after the event and signed up for recruitment online and knew I was ready to start the process.

Day One started and I was surrounded by all these girls who were here for the same reason as me: it was amazing. I wasn’t sure how to feel because I knew in my mind that so many of these girls would have a better chance than I would at getting accepted in a sorority. I bonded so well with Delta Phi Epsilon’s girls over any other sorority and I knew in the back of my mind that they were the one’s for me. The thought of being in the same sorority as my friends was instantly gone and I began to really follow my heart. The next couple of days were so overwhelming with many hours of talking to girls about my likes, dislikes and what makes me, me. Each day, I was getting invited back to Delta Phi Epsilon which made my heart burst with happiness because I wanted them to want me back more than anything. The impressions all the girls made on me were very upbeat and I knew that I had found my forever home. On Preference Round, the nerves really hit me. I was so nervous that after this whole process I would get turned down from them and not get a bid. That night, I couldn’t sleep because I wanted to know so bad if I was given a bid.

The next day was filled with anxiety and uncertainty as I waited for it to finally be 5 o'clock. I was so stressed. It was like a test I didn’t study for and couldn't have even if I wanted to. Opening the envelope with Delta Phi Epsilon’s name on it and running home to all my sisters is something I will never forget. I went from having one sister, to having 60 more who I can gain support from, make memories with and who will be by myself for the rest of my life. This whole experience with being granted love, kindness, and happiness is something I will always cherish. I went through recruitment as an upperclassman and you can to. Don't let the fear of being unwanted keep you from going through the process, because it has truly been one of the best things in my life.

My adventures with DPhiE are just beginning. From making new friends, to initiation, to getting my big: I have loved every minute of my experience with the sorority. Not only have I found the best big I could have asked for, but I found a best friend through it all. I have found my people who will be there through difficulties and good times and I am so happy to have someone to count on. I can finally be myself and not get judged. The feelings of being “unwanted”, “left out”, and “rejected” are finally over for good. With my sisters by my side, and our amazing philanthropies, I know DPhiE is the place for me. So branch out, try new things, and don't be afraid to go through recruitment. You are perfect the way you are, and any chapter will be lucky to have you.