Recruitment week is the most fun you never want to have again, and once you have been through it, you will understand why. The days are long and hot and you are overwhelmed with more than enough. No matter how many people explain recruitment to you, you do not really get it until you have done it. But this list gives you a deeper insight on what to expect.
1. You will be tired- The days are long and the nights seem short, especially after phone calls with your mom (trust me, they WILL happen) and talks with your roommate(s). It will all be over soon, so just try to sleep as much as possible.
2. Your nerves will get the best of you- It is a very stressful week and you will have butterflies all day every day. Everyone is just as nervous as you are, even the active members.
3. It will be loud- And crowded. You will have to shout and lean in close to the active member.
4. You will not remember every thing by the end of the day- Keep a small notebook in your baggie and write down what you learned, did like, and did not like about each house. It will come in handy when you rank at the end of the day.
5. It will be hot- Arkansas summers are the WORST, especially in the middle of August. Keep a travel size deodorant with you and drink lots of water. It is also a good idea to bring breath mints and chapstick.
6. Your feelings might get hurt- You might have a particular sorority in mind, but they might not invite you to a party the next day. It is not the end of world; it just wasn’t meant to be. Sometimes not being invited back to a sorority is the best thing that could happen because it could lead to a more perfect place for you.
7. Your Gamma Chi is there to listen to you. Talk to her- Your Gamma Chi is your mentor for the week. She had a whole week of Gamma Chi training before you arrived and is prepared to help you. She can help you rank the sororities at the end of each day and she wants what is best for you. Tell her what you liked, didn’t like, and if you have any questions.
8. Preference day is the longest day ever- And probably the most stressful. You will not be able to talk when you are not in a party until you sign your pref card. Bring comfy clothes to change into and makeup for touch ups. You will not be able to leave the Union until late into the night. But do not worry because the Union food court will open and movies will be playing in the theatre. Get comfy!
9. Girls will talk about what sorority they did and did not like- And your favorite might have been another person’s least favorite. Do not take it personaly, though, because everyone will be given a bid to the sorority she belongs in. Do not let other girls’ opinions influence your decision; you liked that particular sorority for a reason.
10. You probably will not see your friends/roommate- There are so many parties going on, so do not expect to see your high school best friend. You can catch up with her after the parties are over.
11. You might get stepped on- Literally. The churches on campus open their doors to us during the week, so thank the people who work there. Girls will probably step on you trying to navigate around the piles of girls to get to a party. Do not take it personally, but do move if you see a girl coming. She needs to make it to her next party.
12. You are not allowed to have your phone or watch- Because of this, gamma chi’s will be giving out warnings when the next party is. Listen carefully and give yourself enough time to get to your next party.
13. BE ON TIME- This is the number one rule during recruitment week! If you are late, you will be removed from the party. Being early is on time; being on time is late, and being late is never acceptable.
14. Other Greek friends/family will try and influence you- Make your own decision. They would love to have you as a sister, but you need to be where you feel at home. Also, you may not want the particular sorority that your BFF wants, so it is really important to follow your heart on preference night.
15. There will be women who are naturally more social than you-But that’s okay! Be yourself and smile. Some of us are not social butterflies and it is just how we are; don’t take it to heart.
16. Do not look at the frat lappers- In case you did not know, frat guys like to get on scooters and in cars and race up and down sorority row. Do not pay attention to them and don’t listen to them. Just turn your backs. It will really make them mad, but just don’t look at them.
17. Active members WILL tear up on pref night- For some of the girls, this is their last time to go through recruitment. It is emotional for them just as much as it is for you.
18. Your mom wants to know everything- Call her. Every single day. She wants to know how your day went and which sororities you visited. She is still adjusting to you not being at home. My mom was not in Greek life and did not know anything about it, but she listened to everything I had to say and honestly it was the highlight of my day telling her about which houses I had and how excited I was. She comforted me when my favorite houses did not invite me back and kept my head on straight.
19. Bring more than one book on preference night- You will get bored. It’s a long day with not a lot to do. Bring a book, bring coloring books (my personal choice), knit, do anything to pass the time. It will keep you sane and busy while you wait.
20. You will know where you belong- It will not be the first day, but you will know where you belong. On the second day of recruitment, I walked into my sorority house and knew that was where I belonged. It is a moment every PNM has. Some have it on Philanthropy Day, others have it on Pref Day, but it will happen.