For most of us, fall Panhellenic Recruitment has ended. For those of us on the quarter system, it 's only just begun. Sorority recruitment could qualify as a team sport; and like any sport, it requires practice, every day, for hours on end.
I had pledged in the spring of my freshman year and had no idea what regular Panhellenic Recruitment involved, so when Fall 2013 rolled around and I found myself on the other side of it, I was in for some major culture shock. Recruitment brings out the best and the worst in every house. The best? Everyone comes together, makeup on point, dressed to the Nines, ready to show hoards of young collegiate women how great their house is, because at the end you get awesome new members. The worst? Let's be real: it's stressful, and when 50-100+ ladies are in the same room for hours on end, tempers can run a little high. In any case, it's a chance to learn way more about your sisters and how we relate to each other. Take it from someone who's been through it a couple times, certain tropes tend to be common....
1. The Recruitment Head
Recruitment Chair, Membership Vice President, whatever you must call her. In the spirit of sisterhood, be nice to her. She's (often literally) pouring her blood, sweat, and tears into this house. She's under an insane amount of pressure and she gets a lot of backlash just for doing her job. You may not like it, but she's in charge for a reason. Remember that the next time she loses her cool because half the house isn't wearing the approved shoes. Bring her a donut or something, she deserves it.
2. The Rebel
"Dry week" ain't got nothing on her. I'll be the first admit, my first year of recruiting I came to several workshops hungover (Membership Vice President 2013, I apologize sincerely). This specimen says "screw it" before going out anyway, insisting that we're way too uptight, but there's a (fairly obvious) method to the madness. Take it from someone who learned the hard way: being in a room of sisters clapping in unison while enthusiastically shouting door chants as your head is pounding from the Fireball you had the night before will leave you praying for the sweet release that only death can bring.
3. The Mom
Always good to have around. Usually seen comforting a sister who's had a bad practice. She probably has snacks in her purse.
4. The One Who THINKS She's In Charge
Holy power trip, Batman. She might hold a minor appointed position in the house or none at all, but try telling her that. Her heart is probably in the right place and she just wants to help the house, but she takes it upon herself to obnoxiously correct your chit-chat and tell you where to stand for door lines- something only the head of Recruitment or the President should be doing. Try to suck it up and not argue with her.
5. The Budding Anarchist
Similar to the Rebel, the Anarchist doesn't take kindly to being told what to do. Unlike the Rebel, the Anarchist's impudence can range from anything to when to eat lunch to what color her dress should be. She'll get over it by Preference Night.
6. The Perfect Angel
She's there every day with a smile, has all her outfits lined up, and is recruiting every round because she's so excited to show the new members what being in a sorority is all about. Her enthusiasm is infectious. Looking your way, Little.
But in the end, all the Recruitment stress is worth it, because.... NEW MEMBERS!
