Recruitment Blog: The Truth About Formal Recruitment

Formal sorority recruitment is not easy to explain. There is by no means a guide that tells us how to present the concept of Greek life to those who have never experienced it, nor is it possible for those who have to explain to potential new members what they are about to experience. However, the one thing that almost every girl, in every chapter, in every state across the nation can say is that we have all been through it, and it was worth it.
           

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As a sophomore this year, I am lucky enough to live with sixty of my favorite girls in the world. Going into college, I never imagined myself in a sorority. I never imagined, even upon joining my chapter, how close I would become with the girls and how much I would appreciate the concept of sisterhood, which I once thought was all too cheesy and straight out of a bad chick flick. Looking back now, at how stressed I was during recruitment, and how terrified every single girl I knew was, I can’t understand why we felt that way. We all ended up where we belonged, and we’re all still there today thoroughly enjoying the experience.
           
During recruitment my freshman year, I remember thinking that no one would like me. That my jokes would be awkward, that my dress was the wrong color, that my hair should’ve been curly- everything was so uncertain and I didn’t know what the girls would want. But at chapter after chapter I felt welcomed, and I felt that the girls were looking to get to know me much more than I felt like that were looking to judge me. But was it terrifying? Yes. Only because it’s an experience unlike any other.
           
Now, after going through the infamous “Work Week” I realize that the nerves extend to the other side of Recruitment as well. Here’s the thing,  potential new members; we want you to like us too! We’re girls too! Just like you! No chapter wants girls to leave saying, “Wow I really don’t want to be in that house.” Every chapter wants you to leave feeling like you are welcome there and appreciated. That’s why we have “Work Week.” That’s why the chapters each spend time learning the appropriate way to go about things. We care about each of the potential new members and want them to end up in the chapter that is right for them.

           
Both sides of recruitment are exciting. As a potential new member, I remember wondering what chapters would suit me. Where I would fit in? Would the girl next to me become my best friend? So much was uncertain and new and every second of free time was spent talking to friends about which chapter did what at First Invite. We couldn’t control our thoughts; we were so excited and anxious.
           
And now, I realize that even those feelings extend into the active members! The actives, just like the potential new members, are curious too! Who will fit in with our chapter? What makes her like our chapter? There are so many questions and hopes on both sides of the situation.
           
Overall, Recruitment really is something that, from either side, is both exciting and unpredictable. The only major difference is that one group of girls is already situated where they felt right, and the other group is waiting for that day to be welcomed home. Everyone is excited. Everyone’s a bit nervous. And everyone is ready for Bid Day when it comes!