All of the world has been patiently waiting these past four years for the arrival of the Olympics. It's 2016, and the Summer Olympics in Rio are in full swing. It is also that special time of year when thousands of girls embark on the journey of finding their home away from home, known as "recruitment." From all of the polished Instagram pics and the poised appearance of each of the girls, it seems like recruitment is an all-smiles relaxed environment. Well, once rush week is over, it may be like that, but recruitment is stressful, tiring and awkward. You are basically interviewed by girls and do your best to convince them that you're a somewhat normal human being. Thankfully, the Olympic athletes know what we are going through, and we can look to them for guidence.
1. Preparing for the week
All summer long, you have been buying dresses, shoes, shorts, shirts, jewelry and Lord knows what else, all in preparation for this week. You got rec letters, resumes, transcripts and pictures sent into each house. You're waking up at the crack of dawn each day to get dressed, put on makeup and curl your hair to complete your most presentable impression. Stress and anticipation are building up, and you feel like you might explode before this week is over -- you just want it to start already!
2. First Day
First day has arrived, and you're thrown into groups with hundreds of other PNMs, all in same situation as you. You're given schedules and name tags, and awkwardly sit with a group of girls you don't know waiting to go into your first house. Everyone begins to share what they have heard about each house, and everything you once thought was true seems unsure. Could everything you prepared for be a lie? You start to freak out from the unknown, and anxiety builds as the countdown for the first house lays in.
3. Door Songs
Doors open, it's the first house, and you have no idea what is going on. There is so much smiling and clapping and singing, and it all seems a little much. There are fast hand movements and loud chanting, and you're trying to figure out what they are saying while plastering a smile on your face. One by one, the girls in line in front of you start to disappear behind the doors, and your time is next to be picked up and enter the first house.
4. Everyone is perfect
Looking around at all the girls in houses and the girls going through rush, you really gotta give it to them -- they all look amazing. Eyebrows are all on fleek, the contour is on point, and you want to steal everyone's outfits. You have never seen so much David Yurman, Tory Burch and Lilly Pulitzer in your life, and it is truly a beautiful thing. However, it's slightly intimidating, because naturally, you are comparing yourself to everyone's perfection. I mean, these girls really went all out, and all you can do is applaud their dedication.
5. When you get cut by a house
You thought you guys had something special, but I guess you were wrong. It feels like you've just been dumped, but by 300 girls all at once, and it's not the best feeling. You never really liked them anyway, and really, it's their loss, because you're stinking awesome. It's like being cut on Night One from "The Bachelor" -- there may be some tears, but you never knew them that well anyway, and you're still on the search for love. You still have favorites left, you're hopeful, and you know that everything happens for a reason.
6. No more questions, please
"Yes, I am very excited for freshman year." "My major is... and I find it really interesting." "I'm from..." "I chose this school because..." "I went through rush so I could meet awesome girls and because I just love philanthropic work." You start to notice a pattern of each house talking about the same central ideas. You now understand why celebrities have it so hard -- everyone wants to talk to you and hear about your life. No lie, you feel pretty special with so many people interested in you, but being famous isn't always easy. Everyone seems to know every detail of your life, and it's because they do -- these girls spend months creeping on your social media before you even arrive.
7. Connecting with a girl
After hours of talking, switching houses and meeting all of these girls, you finally connected with one! The conversation is easy, and you feel comfortable and less like you're in an interview. These connections are key, because it makes your decision so much easier. Just as they are scouting out potential littles, you are looking for a future big and think this girl may be the one. After you leave the house, you find their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and confirm just how amazing they are. You're eager to come back the next day in hopes that you will spot your rush crush.
8. The end is near
Day by day, you are narrowing down houses and starting to get an idea where you fit in best. This has been by far the most mentally and physically exhausting week of your life, but you've got to keep your eyes on the prize! This madness is all for a purpose -- drink some coffee, wipe those tears and push on to the last stretch.
9. Pref Night
You've narrowed it down to your favorite two, and it's decision time. You go into each house and figure out who you want to be your squad for the next four years. Scanning the room, you see girls you've noticed all week and start deciding how well you fit in with everyone here. Everyone becomes emotional as they hopefully have that "aha moment" and have clarity on where they are meant to be. You end that night making your final decision and cannot wait to meet your crew on the bid day bus the next day!
10. Bid Day!
Best day ever! You made it through the tears, long days and countless conversations to end up exactly where you wanted to be! You have found your home and sisters for a lifetime. You spend the day taking hundreds of pictures with girls you have just met, but it doesn't even matter, because everyone seems like best friends. You're overwhelmed in the best way, and it's never been so exciting to be with a group of complete strangers.
Just like the Olympics, during rush, there are the highest of highs and some of the worst lows. The pressure is on, and the last thing you want to do is let yourself down when you have been working so hard. In the end, things pan out the way they're supposed to, and you can walk away proud after surviving all of that craziness.
