With formal recruitment right around the corner, sorority girls everywhere are preparing to welcome home amazing new pledge classes. Officially being on the "other side" of recruitment is such an exciting feeling, and I personally cannot wait to play a part in molding the future of my sorority through formal recruitment.
However, looking back, there are definitely things I wish I could have told myself going through recruitment. I was nervous and could have really used some words of wisdom, so here I am, bestowing my personal testimonies to PNMs who may (or may not) be as anxious as I was.
1. Just give it a shot!
Trust me, I heard all of the same things that you did when I told people I was signing up for formal recruitment. I was met with eye rolls and laughs in the face. People will try to convince you that you shouldn't rush and that it's a waste of time; or that it's just a way to pay for your friends and a waste of money. Greek life is what you make of it; you get out of it what you put into it. Please, please remember that. It's easy to let outside opinions on Greek life influence your personal opinion, but I highly encourage you to go through the process yourself so you can articulate a true opinion of your own. Don't knock it until you try it!
2. Have an open mind.
It's easy to become dead-set on a house before you even begin rush week. Social media and outside perspectives help influence and excite girls about recruitment. Just because a house has an amazing Tumblr/Insta/twitter (and many do) doesn't mean they're the house for you! Maybe they are, but maybe you belong somewhere that you didn't even consider because you didn't consider them as an option. Let the conversations you have and vibes you catch during your time at each house influence your decisions and opinions, not what Susie whose ex-roommate's best friend was a Sigma Apple Pie and hated it has to say.
3. Talk to your rush counselors.
At my school, we call them Pi Chis. Regardless, whatever they are called, these amazing women are chosen to represent the Panhellenic Association at your school and are trained to help you throughout recruitment. They are such a valuable asset that many girls don't take advantage of during rush week. Whether you are torn between houses, stressed to the max, or considering dropping for whatever reason, PLEASE talk to your advisors before doing so! Reach out to them, talk to them, and express your concerns with them. You'll never know what advice they could give you that could help you throughout this process!
SEE ALSO: A Real AF Guide To Rush
4. Be yourself.
Being yourself is such an important part of rush week; it isn't fair to yourself or to girls rushing you if you aren't yourself. We're doing our best to get to know you as well as we can with what little time we have-- it doesn't do anyone any good if you try to act a certain way or say you're interested in certain things for the sake of fitting in. When you're yourself, everything will work out how it's supposed to. Bible.
5. Trust the process.
I know it's cliché, and I know you're probably already tired of hearing it. But seriously, trust the process. You're already under so much stress as it is, don't add on another unnecessary layer of it by worrying about why you didn't get asked back to a certain house or why certain things are happening. It's all a big algorithm.
6. Wear comfortable shoes.
Sure, you want to look cute, but keep in mind that you might be running from one house to the opposite end of greek row with only 5 minutes to get there before your next party, so comfort should still be a factor. With that being said...
7. Bring band-aids.
AND a water bottle. Rush week is slap in the middle of summer, and in the south, that's the prime time to crank up the A/C. Unfortunately for you gals, you'll be standing outside in the southern heat for a week. It gets tiring. Do yourself a favor and be prepared.
8. Ask questions.
Seriously! If you want to know more about a chapter's philanthropy, by all means-- ask! We love sharing facts, memories, and stories about our sorority with you. Don't be afraid to ask about dues either. Sororities are a financial commitment, and we totally understand why you would ask. Oh, and if you need to use the restroom, for heaven's sakes, don't be afraid to ask.
9. Don't get discouraged.
As I've said before, everything happens for a reason. You probably won't understand as it's happening, but everything will make sense when you run home on bid day (aka the best day ever)!
10. Have fun!
As stressful as this week is, you should make the most of it! Make friends in your rush groups, put yourself out there, and keep a positive attitude. If you are negative throughout the week then you'll surely have a bad experience, but staying as optimistic as you can will take you a long way.
All of us here on the other side are doing all we can to ensure that recruitment is awesome for you girls. It's supposed to be a time where you grow, learn more about yourself, and at the end of the week, find an entire group of women to support and love you. I can't vouch for everyone, but joining Greek life has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my college career. We're all rooting for you and can't wait for you to run home! Go Greek!
