In a land far, far away known as “America”, there was this strange tradition called Greek life. In order to join this magical realm full of frat stars, weird hand signs and partying galore, one must endure - wait for it - recruitment. For boys, rush is a breeze! They drink brews, play some games, talk about sports and before you know it, bids are given out left and right. For girls, on the other hand, recruitment is an intense time full of deep conversation, color-coordinated outfits and tiresome days.
When I was a freshman, I dreaded recruitment like Katniss dreaded the Hunger Games. Neither of us knew what to expect, what the end result would be, when we would get to eat next and what kind of competition we would encounter. Coincidence? I THINK NOT. Now that I think about it, there are a lot of similarities between sorority recruitment and the Hunger Games. Call me dramatic, but until you’ve worn heels for 12 hours straight, you have no right to judge.
1. Rho Gammas = Sponsors.
Rho Gammas are undercover sorority girls who assist potential new members throughout the entire recruitment process. They give you advice on what to wear, what to talk about and how to overcome any obstacle. Similar to the sponsors in the Hunger Games, they always have your best interests in mind and want to watch you succeed and find your place in the right chapter for you.
2. Panhellenic Association = The Elite.
Similar to how the elite put on the games, Panhellenic puts on a cutthroat recruitment. Panhel establishes the rules and regulations, just like how the elite choose two people from each district to compete in games established by them. Recruitment usually doesn’t end in as much bloodshed, however. (At least usually.)
3. Chapters = Districts.
Each chapter has unique qualities that make it special and beneficial to Greek life, similar to how each district is known for a certain specialty.
4. New frat star next door = Peeta.
After joining Greek life, you are welcomed into a new world of man meat. Guys you didn’t realize that were giving you attention before are swooning over you. The frat guy next door is cute and charming, and whether you like to admit it or not, you are totally falling for it.
5. High school GDI boyfriend = Gail.
Remember that kid you dated for two and half years? You love him and know you are meant to be with him, but with all the exciting and new things you are experiencing during recruitment, he becomes less of a priority. Before you know it, you are swept away into the wonderful world of frat boys, and your cargo-wearing boyfriend becomes your cargo-wearing ex.
6. Recruitment rounds = Obstacles during the games.
Each round presents a new problem. You fall up the stairs, accidentally spit while you’re talking, are late to a round or spill the drink all over yourself. You manage to survive each problem, with the help of your Rho Gam. If Katniss can recover from numerous injuries, exhaustion and witnessing brutal deaths, a PNM can survive 22 party.
7. Bid night = Post games celebration.
Congrats PNM, you survived! You can now enjoy the endless love from your sisters, gifts and perks sorority life has to offer! The winners of the games now get to live a life of luxury, full of many benefits they didn’t have before.
8. "Good luck with the rest of recruitment." = "May the odds ever be in your favor."
While recruitment can be quite the adventure, it is a once in a lifetime experience that opens up so many doors for women who choose to go through it. Despite some parts correlating oddly well to the Hunger Games, recruitment is not nearly as violent, terrifying or challenging (I promise).
