Walking through campus, sitting in class, and even grabbing food from the basement of Ivory, I cannot escape the buzz of recruitment. Potential New Members (PNMs) are worrying about their outfits, sorority reputations, and getting into their top choice sorority or worse, not getting into any sorority at all.
According to the Panhellenic Association, the governing board of sororities at GW, the eleven chapters on campus make up almost one-third of female undergraduates on campus. Sororities and fraternities have a large presence on campus, but they do not dominate undergraduate life.
While it may seem as if all of your friends are rushing or that not getting into a certain sorority is the defining factor of your college career, you can take a deep breath. Her Campus has some tips to get you through recruitment.
Do you. My Pi Rho Chi told me over and over again, “Do you.” When I asked her what she meant, she said it did not matter what sorority other people thought I “belonged in” or which sororities my friends liked because it was all about me. You have to be able to see yourself spending a lot time with a group of girls. As a result, you need to discover what you want and find which chapter is right for you. “Do you” can also mean avoiding recruitment altogether. Maybe Greek life is not for you or you want to wait until your sophomore year to rush a sorority.
Be yourself. College is a time of growth and self-discovery. You should want to share this unique time with girls who make you feel comfortable and help you foster the best version of yourself. You should never feel as if you need to adjust your personality or act a certain way to be accepted.
Be open. Do not go into recruitment with the attitude that you will only accept a bid from a specific sorority. GWU has eleven great chapters on campus comprised of some of the kindest, most outgoing, and accomplished girls on campus. You do not know who you are going to meet when you walk into each chapter. You might find yourself falling in love with the sorority you least expected.
Know that you can be friends with girls outside of your chapter. Maybe you won’t end up in the same chapter as your roommate or that cool girl you bonded with in your Pi Rho Chi group, but that does not mean that you cannot still be friends. As girls begin spending more time with their own sororities, make the effort to keep in touch with your friends from before.
Don’t take it so seriously. It may feel as if you are making a life or death decision, but the sorority you end up in (or do not end up in) does not define you. How can someone see how great you truly are after only a few days of small talk? If the sorority you want does not give you a bid, do not take it personally. There are so many opportunities to get involved and make friends, whether it is through club sports, alternative Greek life, or other student organizations on campus. You are in control of making the most of your college experience.
Media credit: GW Hatchet, Ashley Lucas