On Sunday Oct. 26, every young woman who has already registered for formal recruitment will have the opportunity to visit all 12 of Northwestern's Panhellenic chapters for recruitment preview. 

It is an overwhelming feeling for some who feel that they have to plan their participation in recruitment even though it is still a few months away from officially beginning. So many potential new members may be wondering, “How am I supposed to know, right now, that this is actually what I want?” And the honest answer is that you do not have to know.

This time last year, I was still a very confused freshman. I was confused about my major, confused about balancing the feeling of missing home, but loving it here, and confused about keeping in touch with my friends in high school while embracing my new friendships in college. All of a sudden people, left and right, were bringing up sorority recruitment to me in casual conversation. 

Initially, it did not even cross my mind that joining a sorority would be a part of my college experience that would not only mold me for the better, but impact my life beyond actual sorority activities. Joining a sorority is one of the best decisions I have made in college, although I couldn’t envision myself joining a sorority during my high school years. So, this time last year, I was not considering recruitment preview. 

Now that I am an active member of a chapter, I find it difficult to even explain to PNMs how they are supposed to handle Preview because I did not go through that part of the process. First of all, Preview is not required to go through recruitment in January. Although, I did later decide to go through formal recruitment, at the time of the deadline for Preview, I found the task of going to 12 houses, and talking to groups of girls whom I had never met, to be daunting and, quite frankly, a little odd. But I am here to say that Preview is a worthwhile experience for anyone considering going through it; it won’t be nearly as stressful as it sounds. 

One of the most surprising aspects that I am discovering on the opposite side of recruitment is that some of the same thoughts and emotions that I had as a PNM, last year, are still constantly crashing through my mind. Certain aspects of recruitment make even active members nervous. That’s why I know that Preview will turn out okay, even if you are having second thoughts, or feel like your head will burst from trying to memorize where all of the houses are ahead of time -- which took me the longest to figure out. 

My advice is to breathe, and know that it is going to be a long day for everyone -- current members and potential new members, alike. Preview will be a worthwhile experience that allows you the chance to wrap your head around what it really means to be in a sorority before doing the entire process when formal recruitment comes around in January. The best way to think of Preview is as a practice round. 

It can be nerve wracking to go through recruitment preview, as it is fast-paced and often seems relentless. There will be moments when you are struggling to work through your thoughts. It is absolutely fine to be nervous for all of that. It is also important not stress about Preview too much so that you can absorb all that the experience has to offer! 

When you walk into your first house, it will be overwhelming, but you will get the hang of the process, step by step. At the end of the day, you might even consider yourself a pro, and find that the insight you have gained, ahead of formal recruitment will be helpful to your thought process. You will walk away with more knowledge about the Panhellenic community and about each chapter. 

Good luck and enjoy it!