When you hear sorority, I am sure all these images flush your head from what you have seen in movies. Dramatic, clique-y, mean girls who haze in the worst ways possible. Let me tell you now, that is probably not the case. I am a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority here at the University at Buffalo, and joining a sorority was one of the best decisions I have made.
Let’s start out on why I joined a sorority. At the beginning of college, I didn’t even think about joining a sorority. I had the mentality, like most, that it was going to be all these skinny, pretty girls yelling and hazing me. Who would want that? But, after talking to girls who are members of different sororities on campus, my mind began to change. My first semester of college I began to find myself. All my friends from high school I realized didn’t have my best interests and only cared about themselves. They were people who I didn’t want to associate myself with anymore and before I knew it, I had no one. I was a first semester college student who had no friends, went to class then home, and just watched everyone around me having fun meeting new people. I was absolutely miserable. I am not one to complain, I mean I am the only one who controls my happiness. If I wanted to meet new friends and get out there then I had to go do it myself. So, I did. I made the choice to sign up for formal recruitment here at UB and I haven’t looked back since and luckily, there is no need for you to panic.
- Be yourself
I know that sounds so simple but sometimes the nerves get the best of you and suddenly you are talking and portraying yourself as something that you’re not. When you go and meet all these new girls you want to act like yourself so you can find a group who you truly connect with on so many levels. At the end of this you will be in the organization that is most like you in terms of personality, morals etc. so it is important to just be you!
- Don’t Be Nervous
Easier said than done, I know. Now going through recruitment, I realize that all those nerves and anxiety I had really wasn’t necessary. Not only are potential new members nervous but so are the girls who are looking for people to join their sorority. Personally, there is nothing I want more than to find girls who will love their sorority as much as I/others do so the nerves do kick in! So think about that when talking and meeting to all these new faces and don’t let yourself go under the impression that you are the only nervous ones or the only ones who need to impress.
- Come up with interests to talk about
Coming up with interests that make you stand out will really make a difference. Being on the other end we talk to over 200 potential new members so talking to girls who tell us their interests and what makes you, you will help stand you apart from others.
- Stay Hydrated and Healthy
Formal recruitment is long and tiring. You are going around for 3 days talking about yourself to so many people in small rooms so drinking plenty of water and eating before and during is so important, especially during flu season!
- Keep Your Mind Open
So many girls go into recruitment dead set on a certain sorority without having met all the others. It is so important that you represent yourself the same to every sorority regardless of your initial thoughts about everyone. You may be surprised on who you meet and connect with and at the end of the day the only thing every organization wants you to find your home.
I will be honest, recruitment is nerve wrecking. I felt like I had to showcase myself to all these girls, almost like a pageant, but that was far from the case. Recruitment is where you go and find a group of girls who you connect with on so many levels and hopefully find girls who will empower you to be better every day and be there to catch you when you fall. I have done just that and want nothing more for someone who is in the shoes I once was.