Congratulations.
The decision to step outside of your comfort zone and go through sorority recruitment at your university is a big one. It comes with feeling excited and nervous and everything in between. And whether you know what Greek life is all about or not, you're in for a wild ride.
As someone who has experienced recruitment and the benefits of joining a Greek organization first hand, I want to give you some advice. I do not have all the answers -- nobody does -- but hopefully I can help calm your nerves and put you in the right mindset to dominate recruitment.
Always remember why you signed up. If you did it because you think Greek life is anything like "Legally Blonde" or "Neighbors," you might be a little disappointed. Sororities aren't focused on partying and drinking; they are dedicated to philanthropy, scholarship, and promoting their sisterhood as positive and productive members of the Greek society. If you signed up because your sister or aunt or long lost cousin was in a sorority once, make sure to keep your mind open and willing to see the opportunities outside of the organization you're familiar with. Whatever it was that convinced you to sign up for recruitment, do not forget it during the experience. It will help guide each decision you make.
Be yourself. If high heels and polished manicures are things you love, then work it. But if you're more comfortable with flats and a more casual look, that's OK, too. Each organization is looking for someone to join their sisterhood, not a stereotype. You can try to be someone you're not, but it wouldn't be you. Chapters want to see the real you in order to determine if you would be a good fit for them. At the end of the day, be your awesome self and you're sure to find where you belong.
Trust the system. I heard this statement almost every day of recruitment and I never really believed it until after all was said and done. Nobody outside of the system really knows how it works, but it does. You will end up where you belong and you have to believe that. If you convince yourself that you belong in one house and one house only (like I did), you could find yourself in a tough situation when it doesn't work out. Be open to new perspectives and people; it will be worth it in the end.
Take it seriously, but have fun. I saw so many women who were almost in tears after how nervous or upset they were, but it's just not worth it. Recruitment is meant to be a fun and exciting time for sisters and new members alike, so enjoy it! Once you're in, you're life will never be the same. However, don't shrug it off like it's nothing. You're about to make a life-long commitment and that's a big deal!
Sorority life isn't for everyone. People always ask me if they should join Greek life, and I always give them the same answer: just try it. Sign up for recruitment and go to the first day. If you don't like it, you don't have to come back. And what do you lose? $30 and one day of Netflix? That's a small price to pay for either joining an organization you don't feel at home in or never trying because you were scared. If my real life sister didn't convince me to try recruitment, I would not be the person I am today. And for that, I am forever grateful.
You're about to embark on an amazing journey that will be different than anything you have ever experienced. You will learn so much about yourself, other people, and the university you chose to call yours. And whether you jump into your new sisters arms or not on Bid Night, simply deciding to sign up for recruitment is an awesome thing.
