If someone would have told me a year ago that I would be in a sorority, I probably would have looked at them like they were insane. I never thought sorority life would be for me, but I am so incredibly glad I made the decision to go through formal recruitment. The week itself may not be the easiest thing, but you get so much out of going through recruitment.
1. You meet some great people.
Recruitment week is not easy, but the best thing is that you don't go through it alone. I don’t know about anyone else, but I absolutely adored my Gamma Rho Chis and my Gamma Chi group. These 22 other girls made recruitment so much easier and so much better. When things didn’t go as planned, one of my Gamma Chis sat on the floor with me and listened to me cry, even though she had only known me for three days. Going through recruitment is stressful, but having so many amazing girls to go through it with you, is rewarding.
2. You learn how to present yourself.
If I took anything away from recruitment, it is that first impressions really do matter. Being professional, neat, and polite is incredibly important just like it would be for a job interview. Recruitment is more than dressing up and talking about a million things; recruitment is a good way to learn how to market yourself. You get a short amount of time to leave a lasting impression, a good one at that. While a job interview is a lot less hectic and glittery, going through recruitment will give you tips on how to impress future employers.
3. You learn about a lot of great people and things.
Hands down, my favorite part of recruitment was Philanthropy Day. This is the day when you see the one of the best parts of being in a sorority. Seeing these women speak about their philanthropies is so rewarding because you really see the importance of giving back. Learning about the different philanthropies and the people they serve is so amazing. Sorority life is so much more than what the media shows and finally being able to see that, is one reason I am so glad I signed up for recruitment.
4. You learn about who you want to become.
With each round that passes, you get closer and closer to finding your place. The conversations get deeper and the music gets slower and you see the girls around you as your potential new sisters. Recruitment taught me a lot about what I value and what I want to be associated with. This was the first time I could be completely selfish and make a decision based solely on what I wanted my future to be like. Recruitment helps you find who you are.
5. You find where you belong.
The reality of recruitment is that not everyone makes it to Bid Day and a lot of people will cut get from their favorite house, but I promise you, that happens for a reason. Whether you get a bid or not, you are exactly where you belong. I found a home and family full of beautiful, amazing women and I couldn’t be happier with where I ended up. If you go through recruitment and get cut, it is far from the end of the world. It just means there are things that are better suited for you and your future out there. You gain something from going through formal recruitment no matter where you end up.
So, if you were unsure before reading this, I really hope I convinced you to go through recruitment when you get the chance. It really is true that we regret the things we don’t do more than the things we try. Step out of your comfort zone and find yourself. I promise you that you’ll be glad you did.