Dear potential new members,

By the time you're reading this, you're probably underway in the first round or two of recruitment. You've probably gone to x amount of houses and talked to so many girls the names and faces have begun to blend together. And if you haven't begun yet, that's ok too. I know the recruitment process can honestly seem overwhelming. Trust me, I was in your shoes almost a year ago today and I remember being scared out of my mind for my first round... If you want a good laugh, I thought recruitment was where you had to drink tea and be all prim and proper with each house. Not sure where I got that absurd idea from, but boy was I not even close. Recruitment isn't going to be like anything you've ever done before. In a matter of 20 minutes or so, you'll probably talk to 2-3 girls while being offered food in a room full of 100+ girls. And it will be a little overwhelming, I admit that, but just remember:

1. Stay true to yourself

You'll be packed into a room with other PNM's like sardines so it'll be hard not to overhear what the girl next to you is talking about. So what if she's more involved on campus then you are or you think she's dressed cuter than you are? Stop comparing yourself to her and be confident in what you can bring to the sorority. Show them that you're not cookie-cutter and ultimately hopefully they'll see how your unique individuality can transcend to make them stronger. And don't lie just because you think that's what they're looking for. You're just lying to yourself and if you're trying so hard to fit in, you'll lose sight of what you really want and ultimately caught up in the idea of what you think you want.

2. It's okay to be nervous

There's nothing natural about speed-dating girls all day, I know. You're gonna be nervous as hell the first few rounds, maybe even until the last day. That's ok. Just remember that as nervous as you are about impressing us, we're as nervous about making a good impression on you. Conversations are going to be a little awkward at times and sometimes you might say the wrong thing. It's ok, we don't care if you say something silly, we're not going to penalize you for forgetting where you live. It's how you recover and how you make an effort that matters most.

3. Don't get caught up in the name

It's so easy to come into the recruitment process with a stereotyped version of a house. "Oh they only take girls who are blonde or I don't want them because they're bottom tier." Sometimes those things are true, I'll admit it, but a name doesn't always mean everything. In the end, you'll find you'll be much happier somewhere you fit in and feel comfortable. Really, what does a pair of letters on a little black tote bag mean if you feel unhappy in them? I know it'll be hard, but try to keep an open mind at each house. Forget the name and see if you can really see yourself there. Follow your heart, not your friends or some silly ranking on Greekrank. My Rho Gam's always told me to find a place where'd you be comfortable coming back to if you forgot your jacket. As silly as it was, it holds some value. In the end, don't force something if it's not there, it's not worth it.

4. It's okay to cry but don't self-wallow

It's going to be hard being cut from houses. You swore you had great conversations and you could really see yourself there, so it's gonna suck seeing they didn't feel the same way. And it'll hurt more seeing other girls celebrate getting called back to your "top house." Like life, things change. So you don't get called back to your first choice, but sometimes your second or third will surprise you. Don't let this rejection kill your confidence, things happen for a reason. It's okay to cry and text your mom, but there comes a time to accept what is and move on. Go to the next houses with a smile on your face because they wanted you back and they care about you. Please don't let the loss of what could have been ruin the potential for something great.

The next two weeks will be a whirl-wind full of highs and lows. You'll laugh, you'll cry and if you're like me, you'll fall down the hill trying to change out of heels. It's okay, recruitment will be a time you'll never forget. Your forever home is on the horizon, reach out and grab it. See you soon, xoxo.