The first set of instructions I received as membership director was to request a chapter consultant for the week of formal recruitment. Every time I asked why this was such a big deal, the response was always “she’ll be a life saver for you that week.” New to the position and not fully understanding what it entailed, I took everyone’s word for it.

For months I sent emails to everyone I knew requesting assistance for that week. Local advisers, national advisers, anyone from headquarters I spoke to, they all heard and noted my request for a chapter consultant. At one point someone even told me “I received your request, and noted it twice for your chapter. You will have a consultant join you that week, I promise.”

Knowing what an intense week it would be, I was nervous about my request being processed up until the very moment I received an email back from nationals. Thankfully, my request was processed (maybe because of the seven emails I sent regarding one?) and my stomach finally settled down.

Then I started to panic. We had a chapter consultant from nationals joining us during the most demanding week of Greek Life! What if I made a mistake? What if I said the wrong thing? What if I didn’t know enough about the position or present the sisterhood in a positive way?

Pouring my heart and soul into the week of formal recruitment, I crossed all my fingers and toes that all of my efforts would pay off.

Two week later, the chapter consultant joined us. From the moment I saw her in the tub, all of my worries went away. She radiated happiness, sunshine, and support. I knew the instant I met her that she would help me in any way necessary with a judgment free attitude.

Kenna, you were in fact a lifesaver that week. You demonstrated support and kindness while assisting in every way possible. I will forever be grateful for your presence the week of Formal Recruitment. I owe you a million and one thank you’s for all of your help, but here are just a few to summarize:

Thank you for being fluent in Phi Mu. Every time someone asked you a question, you always answered clearly and elegantly. You knew the answer to questions that were thrown at you from the left and the right, never being caught off guard or hesitant to share your knowledge.

Thank you for being positive. Anyone and everyone from the chapter will agree, you my friend are a ray of sunshine. You are pleasure to be around and can make anyone smile. You provided so many giggles, smiles, and moments of support for our chapter.

Thank you for being my friend. Formal recruitment can be tough, it is both physically and mentally demanding. But you, my friend, always made it a point to make sure I was doing okay. You talked through every detail through with me, you sat with me while I collected myself, and you provided an unlimited amount of giggles.

You made formal recruitment a success for our chapter, Kenna. Thank you so much for your presence and support.