I remember when I was a freshmen at MSSU. I had just moved into the dorms on campus and I had no friends. I was from an hour and a half away; high school friends in the past. Neither of my parents had the college experience; so when my mom found out about sorority recruitment, she decided it was the answer to my "I have no friends and I'm super awkward" issue. Before recruitment started my mind raced with questions, and nerves filled in the pit of my stomach. Now that I'm on the other side of recruitment I now understand that my worries were for nothing. So now I plan on passing down my knowledge, so that maybe I can soothe the nerves in someone else.
1. What do I wear?
I'd like to say what you wear doesn't matter, but it would probably be a good idea not to show up in sweats. We have to dress up for recruitment to make a good impression, so putting a little effort into what you are wearing makes us think you really want to be there with us. Imagine what you would wear on a first date, not the 50th.
2. What if they don't like me?
Don't worry. We'll like you. We like just about everyone. As long as you are being friendly, you'll be fine. You might be nervous going through recruitment, but us on the other side are just as nervous.
3. Why does it cost money?
Our dues go to all the activities we do, keeping our chapter alive, and national fees. Imagine if you were going to the movie theater, would you expect not to pay? A very small portion of your semester dues also go towards scholarships for fellow sisters. So remember, it's an investment.
4. What if I already have a boyfriend and he's not Greek?
Who cares!? I have been with my high school sweetheart all through college, and I can tell you that I have never felt pressured to hang out with fraternity guys. If you want to make friends, you definitely have the opportunities. We also have events that are open for you to bring a date, no matter if they go to a different school, Greek, non-greek, or alien (that would be cool).
5. What if I don't want to party?
Again, who cares?! If you don't want to party, no one is going to force you to party. If you want to party, I'm sure someone would join you. Do your thing, whatever you're comfortable with. Just remember; many Greek organizations don't condone underage drinking. So drink responsibly.
6. I'm not a stereotypical "sorority girl" so will I fit in?
There is no such thing as a stereotypical sorority girl. It is nothing like the movies or tv. We are just a bunch of girls that are all different. Yet, we're able to see what's important in each of us. We can see the beauty of the weird in all our sisters.
7. I don't think I have the time, will I be able to study?
College is all about learning time management. It's important to learn priorities and having a routine schedule. (Not to mean you can't randomly decided to go to Taco Bell in the middle of the night). I promise that there are a lot of us that work, go to school, make good grades, go to events/ chapter meetings, and still have free time. If you want it to work out, it will.
8. What if grades are my top priority?
Great!Greeks are known for having higher GPAs and graduation rate than students not involved. We want your first priority to be school, that's the first and foremost reason why we are at college in the first place. We even recognize our sisters that have GPA's higher than a 3.5. Not to mention that our study events are the best place to team up with sisters with similar majors and create a support group.
9. What if I want to join other clubs?
Yes! Do it. Greeks like to be involved on campus in all things. It's a great way to show your letters with pride. I am a senior involved in four organizations, with two leadership positions, and a Course Assistant for UE 100. On top of that, I still have time to write articles in my free time like this one.
10. What are the sororities looking for through recruitment?
We just want girls who are friendly, smart, fun and will love us for who we are. We want girls that if find out that something devastating happens to a sister, is immediately willing to pick up the phone and call. We want women that are looking to strengthen their leadership skills within our chapter and be a positive member, representing us on campus and in the community.
11. And the FAMOUS: "Why would I pay for my friends?"
Girlllll. If I am paying for my friends, I'm not paying enough. I love my sisters and I know that my dues are going to a lot of important things. When you join a sorority you don't automatically gain friends, you build those relationships. I am proud to say that I could list off personal facts about each of my sisters. I can tell you most of their majors, and I can tell you a moment when I saw their true beauty. That's what Greek love is. Greek isn't a semester, or four years; it's for life.
If you would have told me in high school that I would be in a sorority, let a lone a leader in one, I would have laughed in your face. I never considered myself to be "that type of person," but I've learned that that's all bullshit. There's no "type of person" that becomes Greek. We're all different, and we are all just searching for people that will accept and loves us with all our weird quirks. Don't miss your chance to start an adventure of a life time.
