It is time: Recruitment is upon us, and sororities across the country are gearing up for the most stressful and rewarding week of our year. But while we are frantically preparing for the arrival of our new freshmen, we are also ever-mindful of the anxiety our Potential New Members are feeling at this time. In light of this, here are a few pieces of wisdom and slivers of assurance we as sisters would like our potential new sisters and girls participating in recruitment as a whole to keep in mind.

1. We’re not realtors.

The purpose of recruitment is not for us to sell you a particular house. We didn’t wash the baseboards, vacuum the carpets, and arrange the rooms so that our place would look more appealing to you than the others. We aren’t putting on a performance for our own commission. We are more than a house, and keep in mind that we are more than the small picture you will get throughout the five-day Rush Week. No matter the house you enter, the girls within believe in their letters and want you to be a part of their sisterhood, not make a sale.

2. We’ve prepared for you.

This is not to guilt-trip you, but rather to make you feel special. This is not something we are taking lightly. We didn’t get up the morning of Philanthropy today and say, “Hey, I think we’ll try and get some new girls today, numbers are looking kind of low.” We have spent months planning for your arrival because we are thrilled for you to be here. We have been mindful of you before we even knew you. We have prayed on your behalf prior to knowing your name. Let that motivate you to really invest in that one week of recruitment.

3. You’re our future.

When we select new sisters for our sorority, we are doing more than just adding to our numbers or diversifying the girls we have by adding some variety with some fresh faces. You are the next generation of our letters. That is a responsibility and a privilege. You are more than just another member – you are someone we view as deserving to carry on our legacy. Consider that an honor, no matter which house pursues you.

4. We want you to be happy.

Really listen to that, and believe it. Our sorority is where we have found our home. We want you to find yours too. If it’s not with us, that’s okay. Don’t be fearful of other houses' reactions when it comes time to make your decision. If you don’t want us, we don’t want you to force yourself to feel at home with us. We all believe in the Greek system as a whole, and if your sisters are elsewhere, we will be happy to cheer you on in your run to the right house. The girls you meet throughout recruitment will support you throughout your schooling career regardless of where you end up.

5. We’re exhausted.

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard someone say, “I didn’t go back to __ house because the one girl I talked to there yawned” or “I lost interest in __ house because the girl that was talking to me, her eyes glazed over while I was speaking.”
Yes, we should be at our best.
Yes, those things should not have happened.
But PLEASE keep in mind that we are human, and any level of exhaustion you are feeling, we are experiencing times 12. We are doing our absolute best at all times, I promise. Please don’t allow your entire opinion on a house to be dictated by one girl that is probably running on four hours of sleep in three days and accidentally let her humanity slip in a prolonged blink. Find someone else to talk to, or try the house again just for a second look.

6. We’ve been where you are.

There will come a time in your week that you are really overwhelmed. Whether that is at the beginning of the week when you have no idea what to think, the middle of the week when you are truly torn between two houses, or the end of the week when you are nauseated by the thought of a house not wanting you, almost all of you will reach a point of panic. That’s okay. Take a deep breath, and feel free to talk to us about it. We have all been there, and we truly understand. Ask questions; express your fears. It’s nothing we haven’t heard before and there’s nothing we wouldn’t love to try and help you work through.

7. The trophies will fade.

This is one of the most important things to remember. During recruitment, we are guilty of continually throwing out our different successes to impress you. These are things we are proud of, and there is nothing wrong with you wanting to be a part of a sorority that takes pride in their intramurals wins or Greek Week championships. But it is vital that you recognize that these things will not matter in 20 years. You may not remember which house won Homecoming your sophomore year, but you will remember what sisters came to your mom’s funeral when she passed away. DON’T pick a house because you want to win Greek Sing. Find a family.

8. Pay attention to core values, beliefs, and our creed.

You will hear these things over and over again throughout recruitment. Don’t take these things lightly. We mean them when we say them. Make sure you are truly committing to those beliefs. Nothing is more frustrating for you and for us than when you get reprimanded throughout the school year for not upholding the values that you agreed to. We WILL express our values, and you need to listen and choose a house accordingly. If your values don’t align with one, you should probably make your way to another house.

9. There is a place for you in every house.

Do I believe that there is a specific house that you belong to? Yes.
Do I believe that you have to find the sisterhood that is right for you? Yes.
BUT I also firmly believe in God’s sovereignty and His ability to transform all situations for His good. You might go into Rush convinced you know which house is right for you, and then you open a bid that doesn’t coincide. Just trust us. Be grateful for the house that wanted you, and see if that could be your home after all. If it doesn’t fit, I understand, but overall I truly believe you can find a place in almost any house. If they want you, they are already willing to put in the effort to be your sisters. Take that as an incredible pursuit of love and see if you can navigate a new outlook for your Greek life.

10. This is hard for us too.

This is not an easy process for anyone. NO ONE wants to have to make these kind of decisions. But it wouldn’t be the Greek system we know and love if it wasn’t laid out the way that it is. Recruitment has been working for many many years and has, in my opinion, made more successes than mistakes. Trust the system, trust the Lord, and we will all make it through just fine.

Other than that, keep in mind that this is supposed to be fun!! Take a deep breath, try and relax, and let us make this week as stress-free as possible for you. We want this to be an experience you will remember for the rest of your life, a week that you are able to look back on with fondness. Regardless of the difficulties of those few days, you get to RUN HOME at the end!! This will always and forever be the week you were adopted into your new family. So happy rushing – we are thrilled to meet you!!