Dear PNM,
Coming into recruitment as a freshman two years ago, I was pretty familiar with the process. Many girls from my high school were in sororities at UT, and my mom was also in a sorority here. I knew I wanted to be part of a sisterhood, but didn’t exactly know what I was getting myself into.
Throughout recruitment week, I forced myself to keep an open mind and look for the right fit for ME. This was hard to do sometimes since I lived at Hardin House ––a place where almost every resident joins Greek life–– and my mom was in a sorority at UT. Don’t let your friends or family completely influence your decision. You will be thankful.
Recruitment week was a bit overwhelming for me. I think of myself as a simple girl, and the loud door chants, and hundreds of eyes on me over the duration of the week stressed me out. But, I tried to not get distracted by the theatrics and really concentrate on the connections and conversations I had in each house.
And to me, the connections and conversations I had at Kappa Delta stood out far beyond the rest.
I did not know a single person in KD, so my first impression of the sorority was that it was awesome because it was only a block away from where I lived. It rained the entirety of recruitment week, so I was excited I didn’t have to walk far in the rain. (Oh yeah, and it rained last year too, so bring an umbrella.)
During Open House, I talked to Jenna Devine who is now my big. Can you believe that? The FIRST person I talked to in this house turned out to be my big. Once we started talking that day, the conversation just flowed naturally and Jenna seemed actually interested in me as a person. We didn’t just talk about where I was from and what my major was. We talked about the food trucks I wanted to go to in Austin.
During the next two rounds at KD, I got some of the best advice about recruitment I had ever gotten. I talked to a senior at the time who rather than telling me that KD is the greatest, urged me to look for a sorority that made me feel comfortable and welcomed for who I was. She told me to not let my high school friends influence my decision and that college is the time to put myself out there.
Throughout the rest of the week, I found that at KD, the girls I talked to seemed more genuine than the rest. They were interested in me, my growth, and the goals I have for my future. They were giving me unbiased and genuine advice. They made me feel like KD would push me to be involved, reach my goals, and support me along the way.
So, I decided to take a leap. On Preference Night, I had to make a decision between joining KD and joining the sorority my mom was in. That night, at KD, the girls sang us a song and I cried. Yes, CRIED. Tears were coming down my face and I am NOT a crier. I felt ridiculous, but I took that as a sign.
On Bid Day, I was overjoyed to be offered membership into KD. I ran to the house to be greeted by the three girls I talked to during recruitment. I looked around at all the unfamiliar faces, but I was thrilled to see all the literal open arms.
I decided to join KD even though I didn’t know a single girl in the chapter because I felt loved and welcomed for who I was and who I wanted to be. I had a feeling that these girls would accept me for who I was and urge me to be a better person. And, I was right.
So, I advise you to put yourself out there. That’s what college is all about. Find YOUR new home where you feel most loved, and don’t just join the sorority that is familiar, or the one your friends are choosing.
I never once regretted my decision to join KD. I found a new family, and joined an organization with women that value academics, involvement, and sisterhood as much as I do.
Oh and also, we have a VERY comfortable TV room couch.
Halle Brazda
Instagram- @halleb67
PC ’16
TEXAS KAPPA DELTA 