Recruitment is stressful, there is no doubt about it.
But, it is also an incredibly exciting time where you either get to
meet new potential sisters in a place you might call home for the next
four years, or get to know your sorority sisters better. I’ve been
through recruitment on both sides now and I can honestly say that
although my feet have never been more blistered and my voice has never
been raspier, I have enjoyed every second of it.
Freshman year I had my hopes up for one particular sorority my first
two days of rush. Although I did try and go in with a very open mind, I
found myself leaning towards the one I loved. So when I was invited back
to the third round, sisterhood, I was ecstatic. But something changed
for me when I went through sisterhood round at Delta Gamma. I spoke to a
senior in the sorority who had been a charter member and whose
enthusiasm and love for DG radiated from her. Our conversation flowed
flawlessly and we didn’t stop speaking until we had to part at the door.
That first sorority I loved paled in comparison and I realized that the
person I was when talking to those girls at the other sorority was not
the person I was the most comfortable being. With that being said, it is
so incredibly important to be honest with yourself going through
recruitment. You have to truly feel comfortable with the person you are
in a sorority or else it is going to be hard to find those lasting
friendships. Also, once your bases are covered with basic introductions
and the typical questions, trying to find some sort of common ground
with the girl you are speaking to is the best way for the conversation
to really take off. It also will make a lasting impression on the girl
you speak to (the conversation I had with the senior was about how we
never tanned, we spoke about it for 25 minutes!).
Recruitment on the other side is a whole other deal. Exhaustion runs
rampant and by the end of the day you may never want to smile again. But
in the end it is always incredibly worth it because suddenly, you have
45 new girls that you get to call your sisters and maybe even your
little or grand-little. My first round of recruiting was even more nerve
wracking than my first round of being recruited! But as the days passed
I fell into a routine and allowed myself to truly enjoy the process.
Another great part of going through recruitment on the other side is
the sisters you may never have been particularly close with becoming a
new best friend! Also, being able to do karaoke and watch cheesy movies
like High School Musical in the holding room isn’t half bad either ;).
But my favorite part of the whole week will always be preference round.
Seniors lead it and it is always touching to hear what Delta Gamma has
meant to them and there is usually not a dry eye in the house. Also, Bid
Day is like Christmas morning for sorority women…
So enjoy recruitment! Whether it is your first time going through as a
Freshman or your last time recruiting as a Senior, enjoy your time and
make some memories. I know I have and I can’t wait to make some more.
Until next time,
Emily
Until next time,
Emily