For those women going through recruitment second semester, well it is just about that time! I’m writing this letter simply because I desperately wanted such guidance this time last year. While I cannot guarantee what your experience will be like, I can provide some advice during this potentially stressful time.
First of all, I cannot deny that the nature of recruitment can be challenging for many women. As human beings, we are naturally inclined to take in the opinions of those around us. Recruitment challenges you to separate yourself from that outside noise. Perhaps the chapter you love has the worst reputation at your high school friend’s university. Trust me, they will not hesitate to make you aware of this. Perhaps the chapter you love has a poor review on GreekRank.com. Perhaps your roommate knows someone she hates in the chapter you love. None of this matters. As you journey through the week, you must reflect on what chapter is the best fit for you despite what anyone else says.
Second of all, recruitment is a two-way street. You may feel completely terrified and overwhelmed at the thought of walking into a room filled with hundreds of women. I remember that I did. However, as I prepare to recruit new members this year, I am well aware that I feel just as nervous, if not more, on this side of things than I did last year. But they are good nerves because I know what is to come. This process is not about judging and being judged. It is quite the opposite actually. It is about finding a group of women that will bring you up and make you feel the best about yourself.
You will not only find a support system within the chapter of your choosing, but in the entire Greek community. This is my final point which is that going through recruitment does not mean that you are committing to be friends with a single group of girls for the rest of your college career. While you most definitely will form priceless bonds with your sisters, you still have all the opportunity in the world to be friends with girls from other chapters and girls outside of Greek life entirely (and boys too, but that’s beside the point).
Recruitment is long and exhausting; I had to look like a human for five days straight which was difficult for me. Nonetheless, it is one of the best decisions I have made in my college career to date. There is an unspeakable bond between sorority sisters. They constantly surprise me with their dedication to and support for one another. For example, I am sure many of them will be sharing this article simply because they know my passion for writing, and they want to help me pursue that in any way I can.
In short, I understand the intimidation of recruitment. However, I urge you to try it. I urge you to give it a chance because beyond all the stereotypes and negative connotations, joining a sorority is in essence an opportunity to love and be loved. Wearing your letters on campus provokes a certain sense of pride; however, you will soon realize that this community you joined stretches far beyond the four corners of campus.
