It’s well into the spring semester and we all know what that means for many collegiettes around the country: pledging. Here at Binghamton, we finished up PanHellenic council rush just last weekend, and as of this week, pledging is in full swing. This can be a tough and emotional journey, but we are here to give you some tips to survive the process:
Remain open-minded
The main reason most girls rush is to find a close group of girlfriends. There is a good chance that you will become super close with girls not only just in your pledge class, but also just in your sorority. It’s important not to judge people before getting to really know them first. You never know whom you may click with!
Learn time management
This is key when you are a pledge, because showing you are committed to your organization can take up a lot of your time. Most sororities understand that schoolwork is a priority, however, that cannot be used as an excuse to slack off from pledging activities. Use any free time to catch up on work and utilize office hours, tutors, TAs and review sessions.
Communicate and plan ahead
It is important to let your pledge mom know your schedule along with any extracurricular activities. You need to be upfront about any other commitments you may have in the upcoming semester. Be organized: the sooner she knows that something came up, the more understanding she will be.
Take care of yourself
Don’t let pledging get the best of you. You need time to yourself to relax and unwind. Even more importantly than that, GET ENOUGH SLEEP. Pledging is not an excuse to be pulling all nighters; we all need our sleep so we can function properly and not get sick. Make sure you are getting at least seven hours.
Enjoy it and be positive!
Pledging is a beautiful experience because you will learn so much about not only your sisters, but also about yourself. I recommend keeping a journal along the way to see how far you’ve come and to write down any thoughts you might be having. This is a once-in-a-lifetime process that will be over before you know it. While it may be slightly annoying at times, we are sure that you will look back on your pledging experience with fond memories. Happy pledging collegiettes! Keep calm and carry on. XOXO