Thinking about going through formal recruitment this year and joining a sorority? These are 5 things you need to know about being a PNM - potential new member.
1. Stop Worrying About How You Look
Trust me - they aren't paying attention to the cute shoes or the flawless makeup, they are focusing on getting to know YOU. Recruitment parties go by extremely quickly and the chapters don't get much time to talk to the PNM's. So instead of focusing on how you look focus on how you can make the best impression in the shortest amount of time. Tell them about what you like to do in your free time or the activites you participate in outside of school. They want to know all about you and the things that interest you the most.
2. Don't Listen To What You Hear
Sure, some people like one sorority better than another but that doesn't mean you should too. Each chapter is completely unique. Although all chapters share a common interest in building up women and helping them evolve to the best image of themselves - not all chapters are the same. Many times potential new members go into the recruitment process already having their mind made up about where they want to call home. DON'T DO THIS. This leads to heartbreak and insecurity. There is so much more that goes into this entire process than you know. It is so important to go into this process with an open mind and an open heart. This leads us to our next point -
3. Remember That We Know Where You Belong
This is the most important point to read. This is where the heartbreak of thinking you know where you want to go before you really do occurs. Girls come in with their mind made up that this is where they will call home, and the next day they return to see that their "future home" has not asked them to come back to visit. Of course the girls confidence and heart is shattered - BUT THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO REMEMBER. This happened because this chapter loves you and wants you to be happy. It's not because you weren't good enough or they thought you wouldn't make a good member. It's because that chapter saw something in you that made them realize you would be happier calling another sorority home. These girls are all looking out for you and trying to guide you in the direction they see best fit. You have to remember that these chapters know each other well. They know when they see a PNM that would fall in love with the chapter across the street, and this is why they chose to let you go now before waiting till the last night. They know that your forever home is not with them (even if they wanted it to be).
4. BE YOURSELF
Every girl in that chapter is nervous - trust me. They've been prepping for this very moment all year long and the nerves are real. Remember to take a deep breathe and stay calm. It's so important to act yourself. Recruitment is an experience in itself and the best way to cope with the nerves and stress is to just try and be comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. There's a lot of girls in a small space but when you block them all out and focus on yourself, everything else disappears. This is when you really get the chance to know the different chapters. Tell them about why you decided to go through recruitment and what you are looking for in a sorority. Don't be afraid to ask questions so that you can get to know more about the chapters yourself!
5. HAVE FUN
Recruitment is such an amazing and incredible experience. You get to meet girls that will become your best friends throughout your entire college career. You might not decide to join a chapter but that's okay. Recruitment is made for that. Just relax and enjoy the ride. Meet new people and see what sorority life is all about. Don't feel obligated to join a chapter. It's not for everyone and that's alright. Just remember why you're doing this and what you want to gain out of your college experience.
Trust me, you won't regret it - I sure don't.
