Summer 2016 was one of the most rewarding summers I've ever had in my life. I had so many new adventures, gained new friends, and even took a brief summer course. One thing I gave up this summer was my sorority. Before summer even began, I packed up my letters into one little box and put it in my closet. I distanced myself from my sisters-my best friends. I gave up the recruitment workshops and the bonding experiences for an experience like no other; being a recruitment counselor.
When I applied to be a Gamma Chi, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had only previously participated in formal recruitment once and I didn't know what life was like on the other side. I honestly didn't think that I would get the position because so many amazing women were applying. I, along with 23 other amazing women, were chosen to be Gamma Chi's for Panhellenic Recruitment at our university.
As a recruitment counselor, I spent months preparing for these six days that went by in the blink of an eye. Every complicated situation, the blisters on my feet, and the overall lack of sleep were all absolutely worth it when I saw a room of over 300+ girls jump, scream, run around and shed tears over the excitement of receiving a bid from the sorority of their dreams.
On Bid Day, I wasn't upset to see the women who I had gotten to know so well run into other houses, because I knew they were home. I counseled so many women throughout the entire week. Deep down, they all knew where their heart was, but I am so happy that I got to help be a part of them figuring out that decision.
Being a recruitment counselor changed my perspective on Greek life. I used to think that I wanted everyone to be in my sorority. I used to believe that my sorority was above all others. Wanting women to join your sorority is not the one and only aspect of being a sorority woman. Being a sorority woman means wanting every woman to be in an organization as wonderful as yours. No matter how highly you think of your sorority, your sisterhood is not for everyone. Promoting the decision to join Greek life is promoting a sense of community where women feel safe and loved, no matter what sorority they join. Before this recruitment, I didn't know and understand Panhellenic love the way that I do now.
For months, I prepared to answer all of the questions potential new members might have. I prepared to counsel women to find their home. I prepared goodie bags and jokes and fun ways to keep the women in my group happy and entertained. I prepared by making my social media private and not wearing my letters. That was the easy part.
What I wasn't prepared for was the overwhelming sense of heartbreak I felt once it was all over. I felt as I did a few months ago, when I was leaving my sorority. When everyone went back to their sororities on bid day, I felt like I was missing a part of my heart. Instead, I realized that being a recruitment counselor split my heart up among all of the Panhellenic sororities on campus. A little bit of my heart went home with the sisters I spent all summer with. Those women have become my best friends and the women I can count on for anything. We all wear different letters, but when I look at them, I feel an overwhelming sense of love, respect, and appreciation. Most importantly, I look at them and I see home.
