It’s that time of the year again! Everyone knows at least one person who will be on a line this semester and it’s time to celebrate this big accomplishment in their life. Whether it be CPC, NPHC, or a multicultural organization, any probate can be fun and exciting for the people in the fraternity or sorority and their friends and family. Even if you don’t know anyone on line, here are some steps to help you prepare for the biggest season in college life.
Step 1: Who’s riding with who?
Most probates are not on campus and as freshmen, sophomores or a careless junior or senior, you’ll most likely need a ride to wherever the probate may be. Make sure you have a friend who has an empty seat in their car and can take you. If you and your friends are carpooling make sure you all figure out who is riding together. You would hate to be the friend that gets left back at the dorm and has to watch the whole probate through snap chat.
Step 2: The Early Bird Catches the Worm
Get. There. EARLY! Many probates will be super crowded and you know you want a good seat. Most probates the family and other organization members sit in the very front so you already have a small disadvantage. Along with this, many friends and family bring balloons and posters and trust me if you sit in the back you definitely won’t be able to see a thing. Good recording spots are filmed in the front and center. I mean c’mon, you have to film for the viewers who got stuck at home am I right?
Step 3: Prepare to stand
So you got yourself a decent seat, you’re with your friends and you’re ready to go. Unfortunately, the probate has started and everyone in front of you who was previously sitting is now standing. So guess what you have to do? That’s right, stand right up. I know this step is special for my 5’5 and under buddies. Many people get excited for their friend, daughter, son etc crossing. They can’t help but stand up from the excitement they have inside them. I mean can you sit down during a whole football game at VSU? The same goes for guest at a probate. Don’t get annoyed when people start to stand and you can’t see. Either stand up along with them or understand that you’ll just see the next person.
Step 4: Hot tea and lemon, please
From experience, after each probate that I have been to I always end up losing my voice. Whether it’s someone you’re close with or the boy who sits next to you in Chemistry, you without a doubt are going to scream for them. When the mask comes off and people figure out who it is, screams will come from every direction. Probates are all about supporting good people and what better way to show them your support than by screaming their number/ name as loud as you can because let’s be honest, they definitely can hear you! Maybe. If you do wake up the next morning after the probate and your voice is gone hot tea, lemon and honey can do the trick. It also helps if you drop a hall in your tea. Give your voice some rest and drink lots of water
Step 5: Take as many pictures as you can!
Remember the people who stayed home? They need your help! Make sure you take lots and lots of videos and pictures of the probate. Snap chat is the best way to keep up with videos and pictures when the show is moving so fast. You can always go back and save the videos to your phone so you can share them later. When the probate is over make sure you find that special friend and snap lots of pics. They’ll want them for memories and you will too. Just make sure you have a designated picture taker because they will probably be bouncing from camera to camera. Congratulate them, snap the pic and keep it moving. You’ll see them later and can meet up to exchange pictures.
Remember to have fun during this season! I hope these steps prepare you for whatever probate you decide to attend. Get excited, scream loud, and good luck!