I Have Accepted a Bid
Today I accepted my bid from Alpha Chi Omega! I can’t believe I just wrote that.
I have a question for you. Did you ever think I, Shea Kerry, would have joined a sorority?
I would applaud you if you said yes because I would never have thought to join a sorority before this month.
If you said No and are flabbergasted that I joined a sorority, you are just like my friends and family. Last night, I told one of my friends that I am joining a sorority and his face went blank. He was taken back and asked me to repeat what I said. I explained to him why I was joining a sorority and its benefits. My favorite reaction that I have had was my brother (Jadon). His jaw almost hit the floor, and he was speechless. Anna, his girlfriend, was also shocked that I joined a sorority. I felt like I was telling them I was pregnant by their reaction (disclaimer, I am not pregnant!). I did not get Jadon's initial reaction, but I took a picture of Anna and Jadon's reaction at the tail end.
So I thought I would do a rundown on why I decided to do COB and why I followed through with my decision.
I wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I used to do that with traveling, but since traveling is on a halt, I might as well start pushing myself outside of my comfort zone in my daily life instead of waiting for special occasions.
The social aspect. Sometimes I feel awkward when talking to people my same age, so going on COB coffee dates would force me to try without any consequences because there are 16,561 undergraduate students. So, what are the chances I will see that person again? * This logic is flawed because I definitely see all the girls I met on campus.* Also, the social events the sorority puts on will let me connect with other people on campus.
Having a group of people that uplifts me. I wanted to be a part of a group that is happy for each other's achievements and there for each other's lows.
The meal plan. There is a chef who comes to the house and cooks lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, except there is no dinner on Friday. I have not had the opportunity to try the meal plan at AXO, but the other sorority food was amazing. Way better than the food I whip up in less than 3 minutes and the dining hall food. Way better than the dining hall food, I also think almost anything is better than the dining hall food.
Having a semi-permeant study group. I know quite a few BME students in AXO who are willing to study together and help each other with class.
Potentially find a long-lasting friendship that lasts more than a year or two:) Also, having a chance to find travel buddies.
The ability to Volunteer with a group of girls. I loved AXO because they do hands-on volunteering with the addition of fundraising.
With this big decision, I had a couple of rules for myself while going through this process:
Do not shy away from my morals and do not compromise them.
Speak honestly and don't change my personality to try and fit in.
Understand the sorority's role in the community and does their reputation aligns with who I am.
Only accept a sorority that is uplifting and does not talk negatively during coffee dates.
Only accept a sorority if they respect me and vice versa.
Have fun!
SK
