Many people associate Recruitment with anxiety, staying in, and lots of primping. While PHA may mandate a dry period and meeting new people might be stressful, recruitment is a great time in both fraternity and sorority life.
Formal recruitment at Ohio State is much less stressful than at many schools. I've heard stories of having to skip class for rounds or having it go really late into the night. Luckily, we hold our recruitment parties on the weekend and don't have to let our academics suffer.
Recruitment is great from either side of the table. Coming in as a fresh-faced PNM is scary but exciting. You worry about your hair getting messed up while standing in the cold waiting for a round to start, but the stress and time you spend are well worth it. Most girls will join a sorority and those who don't will see Greek life wasn't for them, instead of wondering and regretting it later in life.
I think back on my first semester in a sorority and it's hard to word how much I loved it. It wasn't because we had socials or met boys, but it was truly because of all the friendships that immediately formed. Many girls go Greek to make friends, some to meet boys, but I didn't. I already had great friends. I joined for the sisterhood, the tradition, and the leadership opportunities. I know that sounds like what you're supposed to say when talking to a potential employer, but that really is what I was looking for. If you want parties and boys, you'll find that. If you want sisterhood and life long friendships, you'll find that too. You get out of Greek life what you want out of it.
As a sophomore, this is my first year doing the recruiting. At first, I was nervous and completely unsure how I survived it the first time, then I realized this will be easier because I will go through it with people I've come to know and love. While I search for great PNMs, I must admit I'll be also searching for PNLs -- potential new littles. I've had so many good times with my big and I can't wait to share the love and add to our great family. Sisterhood within a sorority is great, but big-little relationships can be a unique bond that last a lifetime.
Recruitment is the time when PNMs get to join the wonderful legacy and tradition of Greek life and current members work to keep their legacy alive. This is truly the most wonderful time of the year.
