Sorority recruitment. Some people start thinking about this in high school, longing for the possibilities that college holds, while others stumble into Greek Life on accident. I was one of the latter, but my life has completely changed as a result. No matter the council that you select, the recruitment process will be an emotional roller coaster. As someone who is terrified of human interaction, it was the scariest, most nerve-racking, irreplaceable experience of my life.
From my new member period to initiation and beyond, this has been a world altering opportunity. Not only am I a leader, but I’m a recruitment counselor. That essentially makes me super woman when it comes to dealing with tears, excitement, tough talks, and keeping my affiliation away from potential sorority women. Not a day goes by that I regret my decision, but everyone deserves to be warned.
This is what recruitment is like:
What you see before recruitment week…
Maybe you’ve seen sorority women around campus and just before recruitment week they all look polished and perfect. This can be ridiculously intimidating, but I promise, once recruitment is over everyone will be in t-shirts and messy buns again. Don’t be scared away by the production. Instead, embrace how much these women care about impressing you!
When you learn about the financials…
Yes, being a part of Greek Life is a huge financial commitment. I was told not to worry about the money by my recruitment counselors, but how can you not? It’s important that you know what you’re getting into and how you plan to fund this experience. While I can say that the opportunities I have been given have been worth every penny and more, I also admit that I have a lot of time to give to Greek Life. If you’re a little scared about money, that’s OK! Go through the process and if you receive a bid that you want to accept, a job is always a possibility.
When you’re outside the first door…
I was so scared that people would see my sweat stains because of how nervous I was. Like I said earlier, I hate talking to people, so interacting with a lot of different women in one night was very scary. If I dealt with this, so can you!
Sure, you’ll be nervous, but so are the women you’re talking to. They want to impress you, so relax and be yourself when you’re talking to each organization.
When you’re done meeting women for the night…
Finishing up on your first night is the best kind of high. Even for someone who is scared of social interaction, it’s a great experience. You go to bed dreaming of the next day of recruitment and what organizations will invite you back.
SPOILER: Every night your options will dwindle because you and the organizations are forced to limit your lists.
When you have to cut an organization you love…
Unfortunately, you will probably have to cut an organization you love from your list. This is particularly true in larger schools where there are a ton of sororities to fall in love with. Recruitment counselors are around to comfort you in these moments, to listen to your concerns without showing bias, and be your friend. Now are you seeing what I mean by emotional roller coaster?
When you witness preference night ceremonies…
OK, so it’s not that these ceremonies are creepy as much as it is that it is totally different from the other nights of recruitment. This will throw you off and you won’t really know what to expect as every organization’s preference ceremony is different. Preference is a more serious night where you really get to see which organization is your perfect fit. Don’t be freaked out, just ride out this night and follow your heart. If you’re lucky you’ll follow it straight to bid day.
Bid day!
Running into a crowd of women who hug you is unexpectedly emotional. The women whose embraces you run into are your new sisters! Some people cry from excitement and others are confused about the whole situation. I was probably somewhere in between these two.
This is your day! All of the emotions and confusion are completely worth it by bid day.
No matter what you believe Greek Life is or will be like, come into recruitment with an open mind and open heart. "Friday Night Lights said is best, "Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.”
