With formal recruitment only a few months away, I decided to sit down with Cameron Mintz, one of the many amazing rho gammas, to get an inside look at what it’s like being disaffiliated, the experiences a rho gamma faces, and tips for those Collegiettes thinking about going Greek!
Cameron is an Elementary Education major from Cowpens, South Carolina. She is obsessed with Target, coffee, and Harry Potter. One of the main reasons Cameron decided to go Greek was because she missed her little sister, Gracie, and she wanted to become more involved on Winthrop’s campus.
What exactly is a rho gamma? (For those who don’t already know)
“A Rho Gamma is a recruitment guide. Once a girl signs up for Formal Recruitment, they are placed with a pair of Rho Gammas. They are there to answer any questions girls have and make sure they receive all of the information they need for Recruitment. Basically, they are your support system for the weekend of recruitment! During the actual weekend of Formal Recruitment, they guide the girls to the different parties and help then during their ranking process after each day. They also distribute bids and t-shirts for reveal.”
What made you decide to become a rho gamma the first time around?
“I became a Rho Gamma because of the positive experience I had with my Rho Gammas when I went through recruitment in Spring 2016. If we’re being honest, I wanted to be a Rho Gamma while going through recruitment, but you have to be in an organization before you do that! I participated as an affiliated sister for Formal Recruitment, but decided to apply to be a Rho Gamma for Spring 2018. The idea of being a support system for young women who are nervous or excited or going through whatever emotion they are feeling was exciting to me. I wanted to be able to be there for the girls going through Recruitment just like my Rho Gammas were there for me.”
Why did you decide to be a rho gamma for two years in a row?
“After experiencing Recruitment from being an affiliated sister and being a Rho Gamma, I found that being a Rho Gamma was my way to help in the process of recruitment.”
What is the hardest part about disaffiliation?
“The hardest part about being disaffiliated is having to be separated from the ones closest to you in your own organization. You have to take a step back and not be as involved in something that is such a big part of your life. It’s difficult to watch your friends from afar, especially when strict silence starts. You find ways to make it through, like getting closer to your fellow Rho Gammas and your girls in your group, but it’s still tough.”
What is your favorite part about being a rho gamma?
My favorite part about being a Rho Gamma are the bonds that you are able to build with your fellow Rho Gammas and with the girls going through recruitment.
What experiences have you had as a rho gamma?
“Nothing really crazy, but it happens a lot faster than you expect it to. You have an itinerary, but even then you have to go go go and and it’s like a whirlwind. The feeling is almost like being a parent in Disney for the first time.”
Do you have any advice for girls considering going through recruitment?
“Make sure to be yourself! There is a misconception that comes up sometimes that you have to put on a act in order to fit into an organization or that you have to change. Joining a sorority is about finding a group of girls who share your same values and interests. In order to do this, being yourself is key! Sorority women want to know you, the real you. You should never feel like to have to change yourself in order to fit in somewhere, and if you do feel that way then that is not your home.”
So, Collegiettes, if you’re interested in going through formal recruitment, your Rho Gammas will be there every step of the way to help and guide you!
Winthrop’s formal recruitment will January 18th, 19th, and 20th, and if you’re interested in signing up the link is now open! Sign up can be found here!