Well, that time of year has arrived once again: Greek Preview (GP). Ah, yes, Greek Preview: the precursor to the emotional, exhausting whirlwind of a week that is Formal Fall Recruitment; the time where every sorority woman must exercise her full abilities to socialize and accessorize; a single day out of the academic year where we first meet our potential new sisters. Yes, it’s exciting. . . but it’s also equally horrifying as well, especially if it’s your first ever Greek Preview on “the other side” (read: as an initiated member of a sorority). Greek Preview is our first opportunity to make a positive, lasting impression on these young, soon-to-be high school graduates that will soon be entering our doors in hopes of joining an organization where friends and sisters empower and uplift one another to do wonderful things. Indeed, it is a tremendous amount of pressure, but fear not, for my amateur and slightly obvious advice on how to survive your first (or second or third) Greek Preview is well under way! Although I rushed as a sophomore and have thus only experienced Greek Preview/Recruitment as an initiated member, I definitely learned a lot all the while. So, for you little ones out there who are a nervous wreck about this coming Saturday, perhaps what you find written below may provide some peace of mind.
1. Go to bed early.
Seriously, you will thank yourself in the morning. You might already be tired from the crazy week that’s passed, or you might be jittery, tossing and turning and unable to take your mind off of GP. Just relax, and try to fall asleep, because tomorrow is going to be a very, very long day.
2. Put your utmost effort into any workshops or practices leading up to GP.
Your mind may be somewhere else, like stressing about an upcoming test or thinking about summer plans, but it is so important to be as attentive as possible during these workshops. It’s your first time presenting yourselves as distinguished members of a sorority, and you want to be sure you’re doing it to the best of your abilities.
3. Eat breakfast before putting on your designated outfit.
Spilling coffee on a new chiffon blouse or on white jeans is an absolute nightmare. Don’t walk right into such an unavoidable tragedy. It may require waking up a bit earlier, but as they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day! You want to be energized but at the same time not ruin your GP outfit. For those who like a challenge and will risk eating in their GP clothing: I applaud and salute you.
Sincerely,
A fallen sorority soldier who has experienced spillage on a recruitment outfit the day of.
4. Write down a list of interesting, open questions you can use when talking to PNMs.
You want to have deep, meaningful conversations (yes, they will tell you this in workshops I’m just reiterating) with your PNSs (Potential New Sisters), not questions that will only be answered with “yes” or “no.” If any PNSs are reading this right now, we just want you to know that we really want to get to know you and see your bright and shining personalities! As for recruiters, writing down a set of interesting questions to keep the conversation flowing is incredibly helpful and will not only let you have awesome conversations, but also enhance your conversation skills as a whole!
5. Keep a water bottle behind the scenes.
The Seattle weather is already creeping up into the eighties, and a city in which many buildings have no A/C, it is HOT! Plus, you’re going to be doing A LOT of chatting, so keeping a water bottle behind the scenes is a smart idea to stay hydrated and keep your voice strong!
6. Remember, they are just as nervous—if not more— than you are.
I find this piece of advice helpful in matters of GP/Recruitment. You have absolutely nothing to worry about as long as your language and conversations are appropriate. Other than that, enjoy meeting a new friend and don’t think of each conversation as a matter of life and death.
7. Practice walking around the house in your shoes.
This mainly applies to the ladies who will be wearing heels: PRACTICE. Personally, I’m going to need to practice a lot because I can only survive ten minutes on my feet in heels.
8. Listen to a pump-up playlist the morning of.
Nothing shakes away jitters like jamming out to your favorite song right before your first GP! And if you didn’t get as much sleep the night before, this is a great way to wake up and get a bit energized for the day ahead!
9. Seriously, breathe.
When it’s time to open the doors for the first round, you might freak out a little (as did I). Seriously, just drink some water, and take some deep breaths. Being calm and confident in yourself is key to winning at GP/Recruitment.
10. Welcome your potential new sisters into your beautiful home with open arms and bright smiles.
In all seriousness, although this basic practice round for FFR is initially terrifying, but it’s also extremely exciting and eye-opening. As long as you show how happy and pepped you are to be there, I promise you the PNMs will feel exactly the same. Passion and zeal are contagious and can spread like wildfire, so when you sit down with your first PNM, make sure your happiness is as infectious as can be, because becoming a part of a sorority is an amazing thing, and we want nothing more than to show these girls just that.
Good luck this Saturday, ladies!
P.S. Here is a GIF of Bey being fierce for inspiration.
