Dear Future Sorority Woman:
I am a Greek Life Recruitment Counselor, or Rho Gamma. I have been chosen to represent my chapter during recruitment week and the weeks leading up to it by disaffiliating from my sorority. I am here to answer any questions about Greek life you may have prior to going through recruitment, and my answers will always be unbiased in an effort to help you find your home away from home. I am not alone in my efforts, however, as I am joined by eleven other women from my campus who share the same philosophy I do; we are giving up our letters to help you find yours.
Initially, I believed that temporary disaffiliation would be easy. I can’t wear letters for a few weeks? It sounded easy enough. I have to refrain from going to our house, or a house belonging to another sorority? I barely could find time to go out anyway! Unbeknownst to me, the hardest part of being a Rho Gamma (henceforth referred to as a RhoGam) is keeping my distance from the active sisters of my chapter, because being seen with too many of them at once could “blow my cover.” These women are my friends, my sisters, and my family. Staying away from them brings back feelings much like that first weekend of college freshman year- it’s fun because you get to meet new people, but difficult because you have been thrust into a new setting, away from the familiarity of family. I no longer have my safety net to fall back into, my shoulder to cry on, or my guaranteed ride to Taco Bell at 2am. I’m finding that life feels emptier when you relinquish the sisterly bond that sororities craft.
In stark contrast to that sadness, there is a warming joy that comes with helping potential new members (often referred to as PNMs) sign up for recruitment. RhoGams are trained and prepared to handle all types of questions professionally, with an informative and unbiased answer that quells any fears that you, future sorority woman, may have. It is very likely that you know the media representation of sorority women and the life that comes with being a member. At Thiel College, the four sororities we feature are vastly different than anything in an Animal House-style movie. Every chapter does exceptional philanthropy work, donating money raised to the charities they have partnerships with. Each has their own distinct vibe, but includes all sorts of personalities. No matter your background, your interests, or your appearance, there is no reason to believe that you, “don’t fit the stereotype” of a sorority woman, because on our campus, there is no stereotypical sorority woman. Recruitment showcases our differences, and I believe there are fewer rewards greater as a RhoGam (and as a sorority woman) than helping PNMs find their home.
While these last few weeks have been trying, I am thankful for the bonds I have made this year. All twelve RhoGams have developed a stronger bond, which in turn strengthens the unity among current Greeks on our small campus. Additionally, many of my new friends going through recruitment will be the leaders of our chapters after current actives graduate, and I believe our ideals will be held high and our chapters will flourish under the generations to come. I am sad to have been away from my sisters for so long, and many PNMs ask us why we feel so strongly about being Greek. My hope for you, future sorority woman, is that someday, like me, like the other Rho Gammas all over the country, you will find a home that means so much to you, that you will give up your letters to help future generations find theirs.
Best of luck, have fun, and be yourself.
Much Love,
Your Future Greek Sister
