Sorority Recruitment is a fun, exciting and stressful time! We are all eagerly awaiting Bid Day- the day when we welcome so many new sisters. The week is often filled with tears, smiles, and a whole lot of conversation. There are so many things I have learned about going through formal recruitment, accepting a bid, and being initiated into a sorority. I have also learned a great deal being on the other side of recruitment and recruiting girls.
Below is a list of 13 things I wish I would have known when I first went through the recruitment process:
1. Trust the Process.
Often times you will not understand why you didn't get an invitation back to your favorite house, and chances are you may never find out the reason. Have faith in the recruitment process and be open and honest. This is the only true way to find your home!
2. Expect to lose your voice.
You will have so many conversations throughout the course of recruitment week! Towards the end of the week, it is not uncommon to lose your voice or have difficulty speaking. Do not fear: just simply remember to pack plenty of cough drops and conserve your voice between parties as much as you can.
3. Do not expect to have an amazing conversation with every girl that you talk to.
Lets face it: some people are better at conversations than others! The more willing and open you are to being fully engaged in a conversation, the easier the conversation will flow. Don't be afraid to open up and tell a girl that you enjoy playing PokemonGo or that you love to sing in the shower! Chances are that your initiative of being honest and talkative will lead to a great and honest conversation that both involved will remember.
4. Do not be afraid to ask questions!
If you have questions about a house: ask away! We LOVE to talk about our sisterhood and ease any doubts or concerns that you may have about going Greek.
5. Do not believe all of the rumors that you hear other girls spreading.
Avoid listening in on others' gossip about sorority houses! The gossippers, like you, are going through the process also and do not know what actually goes on in the houses. Some of a sorority's sacred bonds and rituals are unknown to anyone outside of the organization, so don't be so quick to judge based on hearsay.
6. Do not try to join a certain sorority because your friend likes that organization best.
Joining a sorority is a time for personal growth! This is one of the biggest decisions in your life that is totally up to you! Do not let the influence of your friends persuade you into joining a house. As a Greek woman, I have friends in every sorority house! The Greek community as a whole is a family, regardless of what house you choose.
7. Do not take it personally if we seem spaced out or nod off during a conversation!
Recruitment week is a tiring and stressful week for everyone! Averaging about four hours of sleep a night is totally normal. Do not take it personally if we seemed spaced out or yawn during our conversation. I assure you, we are so excited for you to be here and are interested in what you have to say.
8. Always accept all of the party invitations you receive.
If you are invited back to a house, it is because that house sees qualities and values in you that they also see in themselves! Accept their invitation to another party graciously, even if it is not the organization that you like the best. It is considered extremely rude to skip out on a party that you are invited to. Go into the party with an open mind and enjoy your time there!
9. Do not dwell on the fact that a sorority you really like did not invite you back.
Crying and being upset will just distract you from having the best time at other houses who truly are excited to have you back! You will never know the reason a house didn't invite you back. The reason may be that they simply see you fitting better in another house and know that is where your true home is. Every sorority has their own rules and regulations as far as inviting women back, so keep that in mind and remain positive through the whole process.
10. Plan your outfits out ahead of time.
Each day of recruitment has a different dress code. Make sure to follow this dress code, but also do not be afraid to add your own style and flare! To minimize your stress during recruitment week, plan out each outfit for each day the week before recruitment. It is not necessary to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe for recruitment! Wear something that you are comfortable in and that showcases your confidence. The last thing you want to worry about is feeling insecure about an outfit that you are wearing.
11. Do not compare yourself to other girls going through recruitment.
You are your own unique person! Comparing yourself to all of the lovely ladies going through recruitment will drive you crazy. FYI: We want to get to know you as a person, not judge you on your outfit or hairstyle choices! We care more about the things you are passionate about such as, volunteering, clubs and organizations you were a part of, your academic performance, and your ability to represent yourself well to us. Let us get to know the real you, and you will surely find your perfect fit in a sorority.
12. Being rude is never a good decision.
Crying because you do not want to be in our house, refusing to talk to the sorority woman that is talking to you, or checking your watch and looking around the room to not have to look at the woman in front of you is rude! We are pouring our hearts out to you and are so excited that you are here, but also remember that you are a guest in our home. You do not have to be here. You are here because we wanted you to be here. Extend some courtesy to us and try to be as nice as possible. Who knows? We may even end up being sisters one day!
13. Be yourself and have fun!
This is the most important item on the list! By being yourself and having fun, you are guaranteed to have an awesome recruitment week. Trust the process and be genuine, and you will most likely be getting a bid on Bid Day!
