Why Sorority Recruitment Was Stressful For Me

Sorority recruitment? The phrase itself sends shivers down my spine. I have a love-hate relationship with it. As a member of a wonderful sorority, I LOVE getting new members. And as a once potential-new-member or PNM going through the recruitment process, I know just how scary it all can be.

But that is not to say that the process is only scary for the incoming PNM’s. Most sororities, mine included, practice some type of “spirit week” to prepare for recruitment; and it. is. brutal. Spirit week is very intense and we have to have everything perfect before official recruitment starts. I’m talking every chant and cheer, every song and dance, every dress color and outfit choice – they all have to be PERFECT. And if that isn’t nerve-wracking enough, talking to the potential new members and trying to persuade them into choosing your house is terrifying.

We WANT the PNMS. We NEED the PNMS. And for about two weeks we are being reminded about how we MUST GET THE BEST PNMS. One bad conversation with an awesome girl could mean she picks your rival house, and that is just, well, not acceptable. Not only do you lose the girl to another house (ahem, your arch nemesis house nonetheless) but the girls in your sorority are going to be mad.

This week is a battle of the houses. And we all know how catty girls can get. As a PNM you think that you are competing for the chance to be in a great sisterhood, but really it is the sororities that are competing for you.

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I urge you (if you are a PNM) to think about this as you go through the houses, all the while praying for the terrifying process to be over. We are definitely just as scared as you. We are terrified of awkward silences, saying the wrong thing, or breaking recruitment rules too.

After the awkward silences are filled, and the stressful questions are answered, recruitment is a lot less scary than it seems. And this goes for both the sorority girls and the PNMs when I say, after the first few rounds you will get through everything much easier! As they always say, practice makes perfect.

So throw on your recruitment t-shirt and patterned shorts and go rock those sorority houses! We are waiting for you and can’t wait to see the cute and puzzled look on your faces when we start our first cheer! Good luck!