There are some funny preconceived notions that some women go into the recruitment process thinking, these are only a few.
You need to go through sorority recruitment as a freshman.
False. You can go through it as a freshman, or a sophomore, or a junior, or even a senior. There is no age limit to build the friendships that will last you a lifetime, and make a more than lasting impact on you. You do not have to be a freshman to fall in love with an organization, the women in it, and the values they hold. I am saying this because if I had gone through the process as a freshman, I can almost be certain that I wouldn’t be a part of the organization I am now.
When I came to college, I had full intentions to go through recruitment, and then thought maybe I wasn’t ready to be around that many people that suddenly. I also had the realization that I still had a lot of growing up to do, and maybe I wasn’t ready to commit myself to a set of values when I wasn’t too sure what mine were. I was right, in this case.
During my freshman year, I grew more than ever before. I made my fair share of mistakes, celebrated more accomplishments, and pushed my boundaries to what I thought were my limits. My values were tested, and the majority changed. I found new value in personal leadership, a new need and definition of sisterhood, and a love of seeing and helping those around me grow into themselves.
Every sorority has a certain ‘look’ that you have to meet.
Wrong. At my school, we are lucky enough to participate in values-based recruitment, and because of that I encourage nearly everyone to go through recruitment. Because of this, it is extra insurance that you do not have to have a specific look to be a part of that organization. Sometimes, their whole executive board is blonde, and sometimes they’re all brunettes, and sometimes they’re every mix of person there can be. Some organizations have a group of girls that can be at every photoshoot, but you can’t judge the chapter looks based on that. You’re joining the chapter for the values they hold, not the color of hair that they have.
Recruitment is a nightmare.
Long, but not a nightmare. Through all of the horror stories you hear, do not believe them. I won't lie and say that I didn't cry at least 3 times during the three day period, but I will also let you know I still talk to girls who I met over those three days, and I can say I'm lucky enough to now know amazing women in every organization on my campus. Yes, heels hurt after that many hours. Yes, it is long hours of talking to people non stop, but I promise you forget the pain of your feet when you’re running home on bid day. If it is a nightmare, it’s worth it in the end.
You should go into recruitment knowing what organization you want.
This is so false, it isn't even funny. It is hard to go into recruitment with a completely open mind, we are human and we judge without even consciously thinking about it. If you’re going through the process after you have already started the school, it is even harder. Every sorority has a reputation, good or bad. Recruitment is there to help you see through the rumors, to the reality of the organization. I am being honest when i say an open mind is the most important accessory for recruitment.
After the first day, I got dropped by the two organizations who I went in thinking that I was meant for. Cue the first cry. It didn't last long, after the initial disappointment, because against my previous mindset, I had fallen in love with another organization that first day, and I was going back for the second. It was hard seeing girls going into the rooms I thought I would be leading the way into, but it gets easier.
Falling in love with an organization is a myth.
Nope, they really aren't joking when you say you fall in love, and that isn't limited to the freshman participating. You can also fall in love with more than one, during the process. Maybe you feel passionately about one’s philanthropy, but you had an emotional and bonding talk with a girl in another room, and you never wanted to leave that chair. There is nothing worse than opening your schedule for the day, and your number one choice isn’t there anymore, but there is nothing better than seeing that they are.
You will fall in love, but it isn’t always the first day. It is a process for a reason, and sometimes it takes a few more conversations to find your home. Recruitment can also throw a curveball at you and a sorority you weren’t taking so seriously at first, will all of a sudden seem like your perfect choice. Accept the changes in views as they come.
Your recruitment counselors are still biased.
FALSE FALSE FALSE. They gave up their letters to help you find yours, so make it worth it. Talk to them about every organization and what you fell in love with in each. Let them help you find a home away from home. They’ve gone through training to do this, and trust me, they’re good at it. Do not try to guess what they are, and if you know what they are, don’t talk about it to others. Bias will only hurt you in the end, and it never leads you to the right place anyways. I wouldn’t be in the organization I am if not for my Rho Gammas, and seeing them run to their own homes after they helped me run to mine was one of my happiest moments on bid day.
Trust the process.
This is so true, I wish it was the most broadcasted preconceived notion about sorority recruitment. I’m not sure how many times I have said this to girls talking about recruitment. Trust the process that has been trusted for years. You will find your soulmates in whatever you choose, so please think it over. There is no such thing as ‘too long’ on preference night. Have meaningful conversation, and take it into consideration. Don’t discount an entire organization from one encounter, each is special and unique in their own ways. And with trusting the process, be sure to check your own happiness as well. Do not go with the preferences of friends, everyone talks individually for a reason. Now I know it is hard to trust the process when your feet are throbbing and you hate wearing dresses and you just want to be in your new dorm relaxing after the craziness of your move. But I promise it is all worth it when you get to run into the arms of your new sisters and know that for the next however many years you’re in school these girls will be next to you every step, and then following you across stage, and supporting you for the rest of your life.
See all of you in a few weeks! Welcome (almost) home PC 16!
