Recruitment. Rush. Hell Week? No matter how you define it, it means one thing, some are about to find a new home and some are about to meet the new members of their sisterhoods. It is a hard experience filled with a multitude of feelings and emotions all along with a lot of sweat!
So why do it? And better yet....how do we survive it? It's easy to get discouraged and the main tip I can you is to power through. In the end, no matter how many times you cursed the idea of joining a sorority, it'll be worth it. But just in case you need some reassurance or perhaps someone showing you the ropes, I'm going to give you some survival tips on how to get through Recruitment week.
First off// here's some lingo:
PNM: Potential New Member {AKA you}
Pi Chi, Pi Gamma, or Rho Gamma: Sorority Women who have disaffiliated (unable to be recognized as a member of a specific sorority) for recruitment week and are going to lead you to the different houses and be there to help you figure out any problems.
Panhellenic: The entire group of sororities as a whole. Think of it as the Panhellenic board is like the government and each sorority is a state.
Recommendations: Letters that sorority members or alumni will send to their specific sorority's house, a few weeks before recruitment, to speak on behalf of a PNM. Usually, this is a close friend or family member. These are great if you have them, but if not, don't freak. It's not a huge deal.
Bid: The formal invitation that a sorority will offer to you at the end of the week to join their chapter. You will not be offered multiple bids, only one sorority will be able to extend the invite to you.
1 // BE YOURSELF.
I know I sound cliche when I say that, but the worst thing you can ever do is pretend to be something you're not. If you walk into a house, and be someone completely different then who you are, how do you ever expect to feel at home if you get a bid? Your sisters, whichever ones they are, are going to love the real you and if they don't...well then that's not really something you want to be a part of.
2 // Don't believe the hype.
Every sorority on your campus, whether it is big or small, considered "top tier" or not, has fantastic things and women to offer. Listening to rumors and marking off a house just because you might've heard something negative is stupid. But it happens all the time and many wonderful girls who would've fit in perfectly, never give it a try. Don't be "that PNM".
3// Don't wear heels.
No seriously. Don't do it. For one, you are going to be miserable the entire day and two, if you come into a house clomping around and focusing on how much you SHOULDN'T have worn the heels, you'll have a bad experience and it could hinder your thoughts of that house. Don't do it. Just say no.
4// Chill with the crazy makeup.
You are beautiful and we want to see your natural beauty. Contrary to popular belief, most sororities don't want girls who are hiding behind layers of bronzer and eye shadow. Do the feminine, pretty, natural look and you will shine! (p.s. If you do tons of layers, it'll sweat off after one house anyways.) (p.p.s WATERPROOF MASCARA)
5// Don't flaunt money (it's tacky)
It's really nice that you have a David Yurman ring and Tiffany pearls, but we couldn't care less. We want to know about YOU, not your stuff. And for Gods sake, don't ask me if my sorority is for "rich girls only". (True story)
6// Drink the water/ punch/ juice.
I KNOW the rumor. We all know it. And no, we don't think you're fat if you take anything to drink. It's hot as hell outside and if you don't drink something, you are going to pass out. So take the drink.
Lastly // Go with your gut.
Choosing a sorority is difficult, but for most of you, you will know by the end of the week where you belong. Whether that means the house you came in with your heart set on, the one you never expected you'd like, or even deciding that sorority life isn't for you....you'll figure it out. And utilize your PiChis or Rho Gammas, they are there to talk and want you to find your place too.
Most of all, enjoy every second and know that whatever sorority you find, you be joining years of fantastic women and setting out to form your new legacy!
(My Bid Day!!!!)
Much love,
Molly
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