No one can fully prepare you for sorority recruitment. It's a week full of tears, sweat, nervous excitement and more tears. And that only scratches the surface.
For a PM -- or "potential member" as they're so affectionately called -- the recruitment process, while rewarding, can be a very stressful one. Getting cut from chapters, prioritizing the chapters you were invited back to and trying to decide which house you feel most comfortable in, all in summer heat while wearing heels, can be overwhelming to say the least.
All the PMs are split into groups of about 20 girls based on last name. In order to help the PMs understand and survive the recruitment process, every group is given a leader. This leader is a gift from the rush gods. We call her a Gamma Chi. She's an active member of a sorority, but in order to give unbiased opinions, she is not allowed to reveal her letters to her PNMs.
A Gamma Chi, as defined by the LSU Gamma Chi application, is “responsible for a group of PNMs, approximately 15-20, through the recruitment process. Group Leaders contact PMs, keep them organized and on time and assist them with any important decisions and issues that may come up throughout recruitment week."
But that doesn't even begin to explain it. A Gamma Chi acts as a counselor, a mother, a sister and a best friend all wrapped into one. She's there through the entire roller coaster of emotions that a PM experiences throughout the week. She is required to be a jack of all trades.
And my Gamma Chi was no exception.
Katelyn Boudreaux, or Katelyn B. as my group knew her, is quite literally the reason I survived rush week this past fall. Her positivity was infectious and her insightfulness was inspiring. She caught every tear and gave helpful advice while still providing much needed laughter. Whenever you needed her, Katelyn was always around the corner with a mint, a coffee filter and a hug.
She held me close while I cried in the bathroom after round one and celebrated with me after I received my bid. Before going into any house every round, she was there to hug me, wish me luck and remind me that it was all going to work out. Katelyn always encouraged our group, telling us that we would find where we belonged.
And she was absolutely right. I found my home away from home and, lucky for me, it is right next door to Katelyn's chapter. Katelyn was there for me and the rest of our group every single step of the way and I couldn't be more appreciative.
So here's to you, Gamma Chis, specifically my Katelyn. You are so giving, have the kindest heart and are truly one of the greatest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I am so blessed to call you my friend through the recruitment process and now. Thank you, Gamma Chis for all you do for your groups and thank you, Katelyn for all you did for our group.
(Group 22 forever.)
