Many schools participate in this thing called "delayed recruitment". Delayed recruitment is typically second semester of a school year, versus in the beginning once arriving on campus. A new year of recruitment means it may also of been many's first time experiencing rush now as a member in a particular house. Recruitment is always such a great experience, as you get to strengthen so many relationships with girls in the house currently, and also get to form new connections with the girls that ran home to you. To those that were behind the scenes of delayed recruitment a couple weeks ago, I am sure you can relate to at least one of the following.

1. When the doors open and all the girls pile into the house

Upon being on the other side of rush, you are typically inside all day. When the doors open to let the girls in, a frigid gust of air blows into the house and you are not ready. You continue to smile and clap as the girls pile in, however, you can't wait for the door to shut so that warm air can circulate the house again.

2. Being all "talked out" at the end of the day

When a round, or "a day of rush" is over, you realize how much talking and smiling you have done for several hours. There are probably many conversations that stand out, but at the end of the day, all you want is silence. Within the silence, you can decompress and try to save your voice for tomorrow's door song.

3. When they dismiss you to grab dinner

It is probably past your dinner time and you've been released by your recruitment chairs to leave the house and get dinner. You don't care where you go, as long as you can get food into your system as soon as possible. You hurry to grab your coat and wallet and sprint out the door. Ah, the sweet smell of freedom.

4. Practicing stairs in heels

Part of doing recruitment as a member is chanting, clapping, and coming down the stairs, but what you did not expect is how hard it is to do all these things at once...and in heels. You try to step but then you forget to clap, or you finally have it all together and then your heel almost slips off the stair.

5. Waking up early every morning in order to look presentable

There's usually a very early wake-up call in order to have the house ready for each day of recruitment. Every morning can sometimes feel as if you're living the same day over and over again, but it is the thought of having new girls that motivates you to roll out of bed. Once the first task is complete, you have to make sure you are looking the best with hair, makeup, and attire. Dressing to impress, am I, right ladies??

6. Seeing your "rush crush" and beginning to get possessive

Hopefully, during rush, you left at least one conversation where you definitely feel confident in the connection you had with a girl. You may not have talked with her for that long, but the conversation stuck in your mind for the next couple days. You begin to get possessive over this girl because you want her in the house very badly.

7. Giving your speech on Preference Night

Each house has their own special preference night ceremony, but knowing it is potentially the last time you could see your rush crush or these girls, puts the pressure on. You want to impress them but you also want to make sure they feel comfortable asking for their concerns and telling them why you continued to be a member of your particular sorority. Each conversation usually involves a personal narrative and empowering stories.

8. Seeing all the new girls run home on Bid Day

Bid Day. Pure bliss. It is so much fun seeing the new girls run home. They are beaming with excitement and you can't wait to meet them all. You suddenly forget all your exhaustion and you begin to form connections with girls that will continue your legacy and the house's legacy and that makes you feel so proud.

These new members are now your sisters. The struggles and fun of recruitment week are behind you, and you can take the time to be proud of your sisters for their hard work. You look forward optimistically for what is to come.