Most women will join a sorority their freshman year, joining in on primary recruitment after learning about sororities during orientation, or from other women that joined before them. 
However, there’s plenty of women that join during COB (continuous open bidding) or during their sophomore, or even junior year, and have great experiences although they choose to join outside of primary recruitment. Laura Torres transferred to Texas A&M University – College Station and was an active member of other organizations campus before she decided to go through COB as a junior with Alpha Delta Pi.
Laura transferred to Texas A&M as a sophomore in 2019 and was a “first-gen Aggie” that was getting used to College Station and a new “apartment, classes, transportation, etc.” She joined different organizations on campus, made new friends though these groups, and “found that were part of a panhellenic sorority” which gave her the idea to go through the recruitment process. She continues:
“…we shared lots of similarities in personalities and interests. It felt like it was the right thing to do especially for how much I cared about service.”
In Spring 2021, Laura decided to attend the COB events of Alpha Delta Pi.
“I knew I chose the right sorority when I was able to make friends during my first COB event. I felt so comfortable and excited to see a future at ADPI! What sealed the deal for me was all of our differences, it allowed me to learn different backgrounds and meet new Aggies that I can have a connection with after college.”
Sometimes, finding where you belong takes a bit longer than others and may lead you on a different path than others have taken. COB events are slower paced than primary recruitment and can really give PNMs a chance to really get the know the sisterhood before deciding to join. Once Laura accepted her bid to ADPi, she went through the new member period where she got “to learn about the chapter, introduce us to new events, encourage involvement, etc.” She states that joining her sorority was “best choice I could have made, and I’m glad my experience was the way it was.”
Although her sorority journey may have started differently than what the average sorority woman experiences, she still had the same sorority experiences as all other chapter members: big/little reveal, sisterhood events, mixers, and more! One of her favorite memories is big/little reveal: “it was so fun to have secret gifts and a theme with my big and g big. They are so wonderful and I miss them always!” Laura considers her time as an active to have a “very positive impact” on her life. ADPi isn’t just about her chapter at Texas A&M, but is a bigger part of her life:
“…I’ve been able to have sisters all around Texas, and have been able to connect with other chapters and their members. I always get questions about my experience and I’m so lucky to be able to help and inspire others to join.”
Even after graduation, Laura has had opportunities to connect with sisters from other chapters, like Texas State University:
“I went to a Rush Preview at Texas State, it was so cool to see another house and see how they were planning themes, chants, and decorations. I really appreciate how they still keep in contact and invite me to other alumnae events. I hope to see them again soon!”
Sorority life is not just for the duration of your undergrad career- it’s for life! Making connections with alumnae after graduation is just one part of the greater picture. Not everyone stays in their college town after graduation, and you may not be able to stay very active in your chapter as an alumna, but there may be sisters, or an Alumnae Association, in your new city. Upon moving to Houston, Laura is getting the opportunity to make those connections with the Houston Alumnae Association of Alpha Delta Pi and getting to volunteer with HAPA in the future!
But, to get to the bigger world as an alumna, you can start at a university in a chapter on campus. Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a junior, there may be a place for you, just like Laura:
“If you truly feel this would be the right move for you to make, it’s never too late! Your experience is only as good as the energy and willingness you put into it. Always stay open minded, involve yourself as much as you can, and always be nice!”
Written by Robyn Daiss, Publicity Chair (2023-2026) on July 23rd, 2025 for use by the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association and their website.
