When I was looking into colleges during my application cycle, Greek Life was not a priority to me, but it was a bonus if I ever considered joining an organization down the line as I adjusted to college life. When I got into Temple and made the decision on attending, I looked up their Greek Letter organizations because I was genuinely curious on what it was all about. I saw groups of incredibly beautiful women with so much going for them academically, socially, and career-wise through these Greek Letter organizations. I knew I needed to be a part of that as I was inspired to live such a positive life just like them.
I had some concerns coming into the recruitment process like are the girls mean? Is it going to be pricey? are there any Catholics in Greek life? And will I belong to that world? Those worries were slowly but surely alleviated through the first step: signing up for recruitment. None of these questions would be answered if I didn’t put myself out there. When I explained to my mom and grandma who were born in the Soviet Union, that I wanted to rush, they had some skepticism, as they didn’t experience Greek Life in the USSR, but they will support anything I will do on campus. So, when I went to Temple Fest, an involvement fair on campus during welcome week. I immediately went to each table asking about recruitment and college life in general and through their responses, I felt so assured that I could go through this process.
The girls told me the Greek Life at Temple is chill, the girls are extremely friendly, and it is an excellent way to get involved. I had these concerns because sometimes I struggled with developing female friendships in high school, so it was a concern for me in college. My worry about finding Catholics is because of negative connotations Greek Life has and how it can stray you away from your faith. I attended my first event at Temple’s Newman Center which was a bonfire, and I met Her Campus at Temple University’s very own Social Media Director, Julia Rudi. She was so excited to hear that I was rushing and reassured me that it would all go well. From that day forward we became fast and very good friends; I consider her one of my best friends since coming to Temple. Through later events I met more people in College Panhellenic sororities and Interfraternity Council fraternities who have the same beliefs and morals when it comes to their faith.
September 21st was an open house where we met the girls in our recruitment groups and learned a little bit more about the process. This was great because I was able to see the financial commitment, I will be responsible for as I join a CPH organization and amongst other things. The financial commitment is only three figures compared to what major Greek Life schools charge making it more accessible for people. And as a worker on campus who makes slightly above the minimum wage of Pennsylvania, scheduling the dance department and giving tours on campus, I felt a sigh of relief as my pockets aren’t going to feel a massive pinch. Meeting the girls, our Rho Gammas which are a group of women who disaffiliate from their chapter to aide potential new members in recruitment, my pre-existing Greek life connections, my non-Greek Life friends, and my family made me feel not alone during the recruitment process.
Thursday came fast and it was the day that the rush process began. I was nervous a little bit, but my support system and a healthy dose of toxic Future songs shaped my mindset heading in. I met with my group, and we learned the values of Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Phi Epsilon, Delta Zeta, and Phi Sigma Sigma. These ladies all showed their values, and it was so hard to pick who I wanted to visit again and who I didn’t want to visit again because I had wonderful conversations with all of them. This was further highlighted for me because I have a little tick where I jump in excitement, and all the chapters made me experience that in some way.
During my visit to two out of the six chapters, two of my pre-existing connections made their way to me and talked to me personally. This made me feel special but made me feel more comfortable throughout this process, which I appreciated. Also, my chronic illness was well accommodated by my Rho Gammas and the chapters where I experienced a Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome flare up and that made me feel safe around the sisters and I can belong even with a chronic disease. After all of this we had to make tough decisions and head on our way home to prepare for the PNM Mixer.
Friday arrived, and it was the day of the PNM mixer, and we had so many fun activities such as bedazzling compacts and claw clips, charades, and a game of common ground. But before those activities, we had pizza, salads, and dirty sodas which were all delicious. This allowed girls from all recruitment groups to bond with each other, so when we do find our home, we can have some sort of familiarity. It was also made so the chapters can have ample time to discuss who they want to see again as they are shortening their pool of PNMs to see. I had a great time meeting and bonding with girls outside of my RC group and deepening connections with those in mine. This event had no dress code which makes it easy for the girls to express their individual style.
Saturday came, and I got back two chapters, and I liked them a lot. I really enjoyed every chapter I visited during values, but those two stood out a lot. During the day I learned about Alpha Xi Delta and Tri Delta’s philanthropies which were the Kindly Hearts Initiative and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. They are both organizations I can see myself supporting throughout my time at Temple in Greek Life. The Kindly Hearts Initiative is an overarching umbrella organization that Alpha Xi Delta is affiliated with in which they fight against homelessness in children and teens and support the foster care system.
Outside of Greek Life at The Newman Center, we do Jesus Runs which helps the homeless in North Philly and Center City, so when I learned about Alpha Xi’s philanthropy it was a no brainer on why I love their chapter so much. While St. Jude’s is the philanthropy that Tri Delta contributes to and they raise over 100 million dollars a year and that is something beautiful to see. I have taken care of my great aunt in hospice care, so I relate to Tri Delta’s philanthropy in some way as they are medically related to one another. Both are great options which made it hard to choose where to run home to.
I can’t wait to see what preference round and bid day brings to me on Sunday in which I find my home for the next four years. My why for Greek Life is to find a sisterhood of academically driven women, to find a big sister for life as I am an only child, and to give back to the city of Philadelphia and the world for giving me the life and opportunities I have now. One piece of advice I’d give to a first generation American, first-generation college student, a PNM, or first-generation member of Greek life is to try it out because I am having an amazing time through recruitment and I want that for you as well. Be brave, be bold, and be you and you will have the best recruitment experience.