Her Campus had the opportunity this week to sit down with two Rho Omegas, Sarah Johnson and Stella Mayer, in order to hear their unique perspectives on the Panhellenic Formal Recruitment process.
Her Campus: Why did you decide to become a Rho Omega?
Sarah Johnson: I wanted to be a Rho Omega because as a PNM I felt lost in the world of materialism and gossip but was put back in the right values-based mindset by my Rho Omega. My goal as a Rho Omega was to help assist and guide PNMs to their respective homes.
Stella Mayer: I decided to become a Rho because after being on the rushing side of recruitment, I thought that it would be fun to be on the other side. I knew that it would be a great leadership opportunity, while getting the chance the meet tons of other women in Greek life.
HC: How does one become a Rho?
SJ: The process to become a rho starts with an application, which is then reviewed and if selected, you’re asked back for an interview. After becoming a rho, there are workshops in the spring and in September before recruitment. We go through training about how the process works, what our specific responsibilities are, and how to be the best lesion between PNMs and chapters.
SM: First you apply by application, and then there is an interview processes in order to select the Rho Omegas.
HC: What did you aim to accomplish as a Rho?
SJ: Sororities on campus many times have negative reputations and I wanted to be a mentor for girls to help them see past the fluff that often surrounds recruitment. I want to be the one to help them find houses that best fit them and their personality, not a preconceived notion or reputation.
SM: I wanted to help my 15 PNM’s have a positive rush experience. I wanted to be there to support them in any way that they needed so that they could look back at their recruitment with a positive attitude. I also hope that I inspired them to become Rho’s in the future.
HC: When you were rushing, did you form a good relationship with your Rho?
SJ: Yes, my rho was so helpful and really cared about how I was feeling during the process. One of the best things she did for me was just listen. I constantly wanted her to tell me what I should do; however, she let me talk through how I was feeling, which in turn helped me do what was in my best interest.
SM: While my rho was amazing and supportive, I never really looked towards her for guidance and comfort. However, had I needed her I know that she would have been there for me!
HC: Describe, from your perspective, a typical day of recruitment (what do you do, what’re your emotions, etc.)
SJ: A typical day of recruitment begins with printing each of my girl’s schedules. This part was always very nerve racking, since I wasn’t always sure how they would feel about their chapter list. I would then meet my girls to hand back their lists one at a time. Most girls were excited about their lists, however, some were not. Rhos then go to our assigned chapter station and start lining girls up. While they are in line we let them know what to expect inside the chapter, hand out mints, and get them excited!
SM: A typical day of rush started with me waking up anxious and excited about the day to come. I would arrive at my designated house about 30 minutes early, where I would be greeted by my other fellow Rhos. As PNM’s arrived we would welcome them to the house and try and calm their nerves and prepare them for the party. As the start of the party neared, we would like up the girls in alphabetical order, checking the list 4-5 times. After giving the list to the chapter, we would then work to get the PNM’s excited and ready to go into the party.
HC: What was the biggest challenge you faced this year as a Rho?
SJ: One of the challenges I faced as a rho was experiencing the roller coaster of emotions recruitment brings with each of my PNMs. Another challenge was having to hold gum that girls spit into my hand as they were entering the chapter :/
SM: The biggest challenge was definitely dealing with the PNM’s disappointment. Rush is an overwhelming process and it is natural to have highs and lows. While sharing the highs with the pnms was one of the best parts of recruitment, that also meant being there for them for the lows. Luckily I had so many other Rhos that I could look to for support and guidance during these tough situations.
HC: What was your favorite memory as a Rho from this past recruitment?
SJ: My favorite memory was seeing one of the girls in my group show up to my house on bid day!
SM: Some of favorite memories of rush was definitely spending time with my fellow Rhos. We had so much fun together, dancing around and getting the girls excited for each party. I definitely consider my fellow Rhos some of my closest friends.
HC: What is the most rewarding aspect of being a Rho?
SJ: The most rewarding aspect was definitely watching the faces of each girl open their bid card. It was such a cool moment to see the process come full circle!!!
SM: Calling the girls and letting them know that they got a bid! Hearing the excitement and genuine happiness in their voices when telling them that they had received a bid, and knowing that we had just gone through this crazy experience together is something that I will truly never forget.
Image courtesy of Sarah Johnson