The road to Greek life – and more specifically, sorority life. You’ve seen movies about it, heard rumors about it, and whether you’re still debating it or you’ve finally decided to take the plunge, here are my top five things to consider and remember leading up to, and throughout the duration of recruitment based on what I learned during the process.
I find that what a lot of girls do from the very beginning of recruitment is they go into rounds with the image of the organization they think they can see themselves being a part of, and instantly shut out the other sororities. This tip is number one for a reason, and that’s because I feel that it’s the most important. You’d be surprised at how well the Panhellenic process is set up – it does a pretty good job of helping to lead girls toward the groups of individuals where they are best fit to thrive. The worst thing you can do for yourself during recruitment is picking the sorority you think you should be a part of, and shutting all of the others out. I say this because this is an amazing opportunity to meet tons of diverse, outgoing, intelligent, wonderful women, who will most likely become your friends for the duration of your college experience. Don’t shut people out because you think you know where you belong. Give all of the organizations and the people you meet an equal chance to make a first impression.
Everyone is always saying not to listen to what people outside of Greek life have to say about Greek life, but is this really right? We’re always hearing that we shouldn’t listen to gossip, and that we should formulate opinions for ourselves. There is something to be said about gossip, rumors, and reputations in regards to Greek life, although others may disagree greatly with my opinion on this. Although it is ultimately very important to formulate your own opinions based on your own experiences, sometimes reputations do matter. This is an organization that you are going to be representing for not only the next four years of your life, but for much longer than that. You are going to walk around with letters on your chest. This will immediately identify you to a group of people. Although “hear-say” isn’t always accurate, it doesn’t hurt to consider some of the things you hear. BUT PLEASE! Remember, your gut is usually right, and always go with your instincts.
You may be going through recruitment with a friend – someone you just met that you immediately hit it off with, a well-established friend if you are rushing as a sophomore/your second semester, or someone you knew before university. In order to get the most out of the recruitment process, it is important to understand that not everyone will end up in the same place as their friends, and that this istotally okay. It happened to me, it happened to tons of girls I know! But you know what? We’re all still friends. No, I don’t see some of them as often because they’re in other orgs, but when we go out the sorority we belong to doesn’t matter, and we still gravitate toward each other. You need to do what is best for yourself in order to end up where you are going to have the best experience. You will still be friends with girls you were previously friends with, but do not limit yourself because of someone else during this process. You will regret it later on.
I get a lot of messages asking what being in a sorority is like, and I think that people often misconceive sorority life. I can only speak on behalf of my own chapter, but Greek life at my school is very monitored, and extremely involved. We are required to complete 50+ hours of community service a semester, hold 2+ philanthropy events a semester, and uphold a certain GPA, amongst many other things. My schedule very much revolves around my sorority and what we are doing that week. While at some schools, and larger schools, this is probably very different, keep in mind that you will have to make sacrifices in order to be a positive, active member of your chapter, if you ultimately want to be a positive role model and make a difference.
I am a firm believer in the mindset that once you go out of your comfort zone, that is when you start living. Nobody ever reminisces on the days where they did the average or what came comfortably and easily. Rush, rounds, and Greek life have the ability to give you so much and ultimately change your life, but only if you let it; this is done by putting yourself out there and trying something different. It may be difficult to stand in a room filled with girls and talk about yourself with people you’re meeting for the first time. I was there once. I transferred as a second semester freshman three days before rounds, and my only friends were my roommates, none of which were going out for rush.  It was scary, exciting, and totally new – you will probably feel similarly. You must go into this with your head held high and completely own it. You’ll be amazed at what will come your way when you try something different, and you’ll be totally glad you did on bid day.