Two years ago I was on my way to joining a sorority. I survived recruitment and joined a sisterhood that has given me more than I could have ever dreamed of. Almost a year ago, I went through my first year of recruitment on the other side. I spent hours making sure I was prepared so I could meet the new group of young women who were going to go through the exact same thing I did a year before. From what I learned the past two years is that there are some things that are essential to making the most of recruitment. So if this is your first year recruiting girls here are some tips:
1. Drink Tea
You are going to be doing a lot of talking. Think back to last year when you were going through recruitment. This year you will be talking to even more girls. End every day with a cup of tea to help soothe your throat.
2. Stay Organized
Prepare as much as you can ahead of time. Make sure your laundry is done and lay out all your outfits for the week ahead of time. You can sleep longer if you have all your stuff ready the night before. Recruitment often goes up right until school starts, and for some schools, it takes place during it. Plan ahead.
3. Eat Healthy Food
It is easy to ditch the healthy food and just stop by a drive through on your way home. The days are long and your body and mind will thank you if you feed it healthy foods. Plus, you'll notice a difference in your energy levels!
4. Mints
Make sure you stock up on mints before recruitment! Chances are everyone is going to be talking at the top of their lungs and it is going to be hard to hear the girl you are talking too. You may even end up shouting in each other's faces just so you can hear them, and they can hear you!
5. First Aid Kit
While your sorority has one, sometimes it is just easier to have Band-Aids with you. There isn't much time between sets, and you may have other things to do, like use the bathroom. Waiting for someone who also has other things to do isn't worth it. You may be going another round with painful blisters making it hard to walk. Bring your own!
6. Reusable Water Bottle
It holds more water than the standard cup you don't have to worry about spilling it. It's easy to forget to hydrate with everything else that's going on, so make sure to keep your water bottle with you and take a few sips from it between sets. Hydration is key!
7. Phone Charger
Unfortunately, phone batteries die faster than we would like them too. Make sure to bring your charger with you. There is nothing worse than your phone being dead when you could have easily prevented it.
8. Makeup & Mirror
You will probably want to touch up your makeup at some point. You don't have to bring everything- just what you consider your essentials.
9. It's What You Make Of It
The hours are long and there is a lot going on. If you don't take the time to enjoy being with your sisters, then you are going to find yourself begging for recruitment to be over. Recruitment is a celebration of your sisterhood. You are sharing it with others. You spent the summer apart, so use recruitment to reconnect!