Oh, my first recruitment week, how I will cherish thee. The past week has been one of the most chaotic I have ever lived. I've had at least 5 "Britney Spears circa 2007" meltdowns and experienced nerve-racking moments because I had no idea what I could say next in a conversation with a PNM. Although, in the end, it was all worth sharing every second with my sisters on Bid Day. Here are 12 things I learned from my first ever recruitment:
1. You have to push through it.
You know what I mean: those moments where you just feel like ripping your eyelashes out. You have to be your best self for you and your sisters. Trust me, it's all worth the back-to-back door chants and video songs in the end, when you end up with a wonderful new pledge class.
2. If your voice hasn't gone out, you aren't screaming loud enough.
Door chants are your chapter's first impression to these PNMs, so you have to give it your ALL. You may end up sounding like you have a bad cold, but those PNMs have to know you mean it!
3. Don't take criticism to the heart.
Your sisters know the dos and the don'ts - especially older members. They are there to tell you how to be the best you. I know you might be in an awful mood, but try to take their notes as advice to improve yourself!
4. Help out as much as you can.
It's the simple things in life, so why not take 10 minutes after a long day to help another sister out. Do your part and more. Whether it's a simple pep talk or cleaning up, the sense of teamwork is refreshing and rewarding after a hectic night of six parties, and will allow you to go home earlier (possibly).
5. SMILE. :)
Do it. As much as possible.
Even if your cheeks start to cramp.
6. Take down as many notes as you can.
It'll be a lot easier when it comes down to selection and it's a great way to keep up with those cute rush crushes of yours.
7. Your feet will hurt.
Trust me, you will want to take off those pref night heels every chance you get.
8. Pay attention.
It's easy to lose your attention when someone is addressing everyone, but show your directors some respect. They will let you know pretty much everything you need to know for the night. There's no room to make a mistake because every little action matters.
9. Think on your feet.
If you do make a mistake, it's okay. Breathe. Don't focus on one little thing because it has a chance of turning into a train wreck. Just keep going and do your very best. I promise those awkward silences in conversations will pass, but it's up to you.
10. Video songs are love, video songs are life.
Learn them, love them, live them! You want to make sure every PNM in that room knows how much you want them in your chapter. That means dancing your hardest, singing your loudest, and giving it your all.
11. You're sisters are always there.
If you're stressing during recruitment week, your sisters will be there to pick you up. Or, in my case, If your navy shirt for philanthropy night rips, don't worry, your sister has one for you. :)
12. Bid Day is the best day EVER.
There's nothing more rewarding than seeing the most excited, smiling girls running to your tent and seeing all of your hard work payoff. It is the best feeling in the world.
As much as recruitment is a huge time commitment and stressful week, it suddenly all pays off at the end of the week, after the months of preparation that you and your sisters have dedicated to it. Be sure to learn from your mistakes for the next go around and to thank the directors, alums, and coordinators that made a magical week possible because without them, your sisterhood wouldn't continue to grow better and stronger each year.
