Take it from someone who didn't have such a smooth ride through recruitment and is now on the other side, recruitment is not a walk in the park. But let me tell you it is worth it. Suffer through the blisters, sweat and tears, walk across those bricks like you know how, listen to your Rho Gammas, make friends in your Rho Gamma group. It's worth it. I have made life-long friends by joining Greek life and want every girl to have the same opportunity I have had over this past year. So, I'm willing to share my personal tips and tricks to get through these two long weeks of your life.
1. The active members are just as nervous as you are.
Recruitment is a long process and we just want to meet our future sisters in the end. We are nervous to meet the potential new members who are about to join our chapter and become a huge part of our life in a few short weeks. Especially as a sophomore, the incoming new members could be potential "littles" and best friends, of course we are nervous. These girls have just as much of an effect on us as we do on them.
2. Have genuine conversations.
That's what recruitment is all about -- having genuine conversations with girls who you genuinely want to know. Having a fake conversation gets you nowhere in the process. If you have a bad conversation, you have a bad conversation; that doesn't mean it's the end of the world. And it definitely doesn't mean it wasn't genuine, maybe you just didn't click with that girl.
3. Don't worry if you make a little mistake, we are all human.
Don't worry if you trip, or if you ask to go to the bathroom, or if you have a slip up in your words. We are all human. We all understand that it happens and we don't expect you to be perfect. In fact, it might even make you more personable.
4. Listen to your Rho Gammas, they are all in chapters, they know how it works.
Being Panhellenic is their job, and they are trained to support girls in their journey to find their chapter. They know how the system works and are working to help you find where you fit best. So follow their advice and by all means go to them if you need any advice or help.
5. Trust the system.
I still don't know how it works. I will forever be baffled about how the Greek system works. But it works. I know it's frustrating and it seems like it doesn't work and sometimes it makes you want to cry, but trust it. You will end up where you are supposed to.
6. Not everything you say is a big deal, in the best way of course.
No offense intended to you by any means, but most of the time when you mess up we don't even notice. We are focused on the good parts of you and whether or not the conversation clicks. If you stutter or say something you didn't mean to, odds are you are just blowing it out of proportion. So don't worry, relax and it will make life a lot easier.
7. Dress to impress.
It isn't a big deal if you don't wear designer brands or want to stand out, in fact it's a good thing. But, we are looking for girls who dress to impress. It is very formal on most days, and on the days it's not, put on some makeup, add some jewelry, and dress things up a bit. This is a formal process so we appreciate it when you treat it like one.
8. Make friends in your Rho Gamma group.
Having girls to talk to on breaks and laugh some of the pressure off makes recruitment way better. It's extremely reassuring talking to girls who are literally going through the exact same thing as you. Don't bash on any chapters or gush about how much you love others, but make the most of meeting new people. Maybe you'll make some life-long friends.
9. Have fun with the process.
In the end everything works out and you will join a chapter that will mean more to you than you could ever imagine. So have fun, relax, and don't stress about this too much. Your future sisters are waiting on the other side!
