The last time we heard from Sophia, she was reflecting on her worries and excitement for her freshman year. While that wish for a best friend ended up taking the form of sixty or so amazing Delta Delta Delta women following recruitment, and the long readings took her by surprise, saying yes way more has ended up anchoring her instead of stressing her out.
← Catch up on Part 1: Sophia Wants to Be Grounded Without Standing Still
Bonding before bids
“As soon as I walked in, it felt like I found my sisters.”
“As soon as I walked in, it felt like I found my sisters,” she tells The Row.
The best thing in her life actually came in the chaos, only to end up supporting her busy life better than she ever could have expected.
Going into recruitment arm in arm with a girl she met at the opening UofT football game, Sophia mentioned it was insanely helpful having someone she could confide in throughout such a stressful process.
It was definitely a moment of, “if I do it, you do it,” choosing to turn a new, scary experience into one of bonding.
Even with attending every single round together, they eventually ended up in two separate sororities, promising to still show up for one another’s events and philanthropy.
Sophia’s experience with Rush was positive, filled with wonderful friendships and many trips for coffee in between rounds to exchange opinions and words of advice.
“Because my dad can only help me so much,” she jokes.
Though the initial online round presented a challenge to connect, Sophia loved going in person to visit the houses during Round 2.
Talking to multiple people, the energy can be overwhelming, but reveals if you share an instant connection.
The sorority is trying to discover their fit into your life just as much as you are with them.
Even if Sophia felt a house and she didn’t “click,” she still loved meeting everyone. There was no one who wasn’t sweet, welcoming or intelligent.
Life with Delta Delta Delta
Forever a cat person, it was one of the things that got her closer to a new sister.
Turns out their love for a furry friend isn’t the only thing they have in common, also enjoying hangout sessions in Robarts Commons.
“Not much studying was done,” she says.
“Not much studying was done.”
But hey, to be honest, nobody actually goes there to lock in anyway.
Wanting to explore more, her next stop is the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, (practically a scene out of Star Wars), and the Starbucks on the Robarts second floor.
For Autumn vibes, Sophia’s go to drink is a caramel macchiato with sweet foam with one exception. It has to be with light ice so it doesn’t water down and become gross.
Hardly picky when it comes to the Starbucks menu, being spontaneous, like asking the barista to make their favourite drink, has paid off. Even if the drink isn’t “to die for.”
HIS112H1: Ten Events that Changed the World
Does the actual course count as one? We at The Row think so.
Recently finishing up a section on Genghis Khan and the legacy of the Mongol Empire, she also wishes each topic were one big lecture, rather than being split into two days. Simply because the level of detail is too concentrated to hit pause and resume on.
Previously enjoying the luxuries of reading for leisure and review periods, university is a complete switch for Sophia.
“Okay, I have to read for this class, now multiply that for every single class.”
Nonetheless, she’s sure that Tri-Delta’s enthusiasm for academics will help her understand everything, even if her sisters might not be in the same course.
Look good, feel good
Putting aside her sweatpants for an elevated, mature look, Sophia’s philosophy has stayed the same since we last heard from her.
She still aims to wear better clothing instead of fast fashion purchases, which ends up translating into how she feels throughout the day.
It all began with her wardrobe for rush.
“My closet is overflowing, it’s too much.”
“My closet is overflowing, it’s too much.”
Helping her to focus in lectures and fuel productivity, it looks like her new style is here to stay, contrary to her hunch that lounge wear might sneak its way back into her outfits.
Change is scary but-
Not only does Sophia now have a network of amazing women to ground her as she pursues that future internship and perfect work-life balance, throughout it all she’s also just found a genuine sense of belonging.
Like all transitions, some things might get left behind only to be traded in for something completely new.
Her cozy novels are being traded in for a fourty-six page historical document.
Her hoodies for a chic Fall jacket.
Her slow mornings for a cortado, which earns her the nickname ‘grandpa,’ and a Starbucks ham-and-cheese breakfast sandwich.
Next time Sophia checks in, we’ll hear more about her life as a Tri-Delta, her thoughts on midterms and if she was able to locate the perfect Goldilocks study spot in Robarts. A mystery to all who haven’t found one yet.