Sorority Life

What are the qualities of a perfect mate, in your opinion?
Must understand me. Must! Must be very attracted to them, driven, compassionate, more mature, stable, sense of self, their character must be very unique and different, not clich� - I don't want that. Must be very funny. Artistic, deep, meaningful, understand my stuff (stuff I write). I don't want them to look at it and go, "What the hell is that?"

Now that it's almost over, what is the one positive thing you'll take away from this experience?
I've made lifetime friends and experiences that are unlike anything else. I've learned so much about myself - so much. Broken me down a lot, I've been through a lot, but in the end, I think I'll come out stronger - so strength in myself. There has been a lot of tough times, but in the end, it's going to be worth it and I'll be a lot better off. I think I get more out of living in this house with these people than from the sorority. I've taken a lot of crap from the sorority - a lot of negativity. Lots of positive things, but people don't remember the positive as much as the negative. It's hardened me up a little bit, but softened me at the same time.

Tell me about a one special relationship you formed with a sister or pledge?
Mara. We've been very close. She definitely understands me, and we have a lot in common.

What was the experience like sharing one bathroom with five other people?
Actually, it worked out well! I thought it was going to be really bad. Each night before we went to bed, we'd decide who would take showers when the next day. We'd have one person doing their hair, make-up, etc. I think having two sinks saved us! No fights - it was really fun, nothing negative about it at all. And, honestly, when I'm alone in there, I almost want another person in there with me - it's more fun!

What was the best thing about pledging?
The other pledges living in the house. Learning that what I thought I needed in a group of girls was within you the entire time.

What was the worst thing about pledging?
Having to relive childhood experiences - having to dig up old memories because you're reminded by their cruelty. You know how mean kids can be? It was like [it was] happening all over again - having to relive it. Therapeutic but painful.

Did pledging affect the amount of time you had to study?
Oh my God, yes! So much! School was number three on my list of priorities, and it shouldn't be because that's why we're here. Sorority wants you to make collages, not do homework - it was really sad. And the stress of it all - the painful times take a toll, wear you out, take your energy. Sometimes you just want to sleep.

Describe the bonds that developed with your potential sisters during the pledging process, and how do you think they're different from developing friendships outside the sorority?
My friend from home still does stuff with her sorority once a week, and I think if that's what you want for you, then that's great, but I don't want that for me. The experience was not quite what I thought it would be.

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