Two years ago today, I embarked on the week-long, oh so famous journey called 'rush'. I had no clue what to expect, but doors opening to 200 girls chanting at the top of their lungs and smiling bigger than humanly possible certainly wasn't what I thought I signed up for. In no time, however, I fell in love with my organization and the opportunities it blessed my life with. The following year I was on the other side, doing those exact chants that I once feared. This year, looking for a change, I was honored to serve as a recruitment counselor, also know as a Pi Chi, Gamma Chi, or other various names. The life lessons and experiences I gained from this week have been bigger than I ever believed when I applied. Although recruiting girls is an experience to remember, here's a few reasons why I strongly believe that being a recruitment counselor is the way to go.
1. Develop Leadership Skills
I always had the inkling to take on a leadership role within my sorority. I considered running for Exec, but was unsure about the time commitment. Serving as a recruitment counselor not only taught me leadership skills, but also how to be a positive role model for other women. Considering the vast majority of the PNM's moved in the day before rush began, their whole world was new and unknown. Right when they need a leader the most, we show up. Their curiosity and amount of questions are endless, and as a Pi Chi, I found myself thinking about how much these women truly relied on me.
2. Meet Girls in Other Chapters
This aspect was definitely one of the best parts of the entire experience. Don't get me wrong, I love my sorority sisters more than anything else in the world. But after this week, I feel like I gained even more of them, except from various chapters. The qualities each of the chapters brought to the group as a whole made it unique and special. And despite the rumors or stereotypes, we're really not all that different. Our time together included non-stop laughter at dinners, heart-to-heart talks on porches, and late night dance sessions due to complete deliriousness just to name a few. This group of girls will always hold a place in my heart, and I look forward to continuing these relationships as the year continues (same goes for already planned reunions as well as our slightly inappropriate at times GroupMe).
3. The Crowd Favorite: No Chanting or Bouncing
Although this may seem humorous to some, there's nothing all that funny about all day practices and having no voice at the end of the day. It's just a part of recruitment, but I can't say I exactly missed that this week. As a recruitment counselor, the training consists of how to handle possible scenarios and what it means to be a leader. The days prior to rush were opportunities for us to bond as a group and learn more about Greek Life. What more could you ask for? Not to mention, the overall stress-free environment and afternoons of training week spent by the pool.
4. To be Selfless
This week was all about putting myself in others' shoes and truly disaffiliating from my organization. There were so many times that I wanted to say what was really on my mind, but I quickly realized that these girls needed me as an open ear and someone to trust. My "rush crushes" were often in love with chapters other than my own, and I had to understand that it was her decision and her college experience on the line. I needed to support her no matter what, regardless of how difficult it was for me to do so.
We're a shoulder to cry on, a comforting (or victory) hug, open ears, and a friend when you need one most. We're someone who can be trusted and someone who yearns for others to be happy. As for the PNM's, this town isn't quite so new anymore and their definition of 'home' isn't just the place they grew up. They're on their way to discover that home is being surrounded with their newfound sisters, and I think it's fair we take at least some of the credit for that. It's both the highs and the lows that make it rewarding beyond belief, and I think it's safe to say that although the women gained a new home it's me who gained even more.
