Greek Week: Social Media--Clean it Up

Typically my Greek Week series is just a week long, but I think this is a topic that really can't be ignored; social media and it's importance in Recruitment.This applies mostly to girls who are senior in High School who think they will go through recruitment in Summer/Fall of 2014. Despite that, I think everyone can learn a little about being discreet online.

First:

Girls, as soon as you commit to a school, deposit the check, get the sweatshirt, put your social media accounts on private. I cannot stress this enough. If they weren't on private during the college process (and it's beyond me why everyones accounts are private all the time) then turn it on private now. 

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard of (and experienced) potential new members being cut if they are a "standards risk". I am all in favor of having a fun summer before college (whatever you consider that to be) but it doesn't mean you should be sharing it with the world. You will be a very different person in college than you will be in person. Why not start your college experience with a truly blank slate.

If you are rushing a sorority, applying to college, getting a job...whatever, there should be no signs of any illegal activity throughout your social media presence. No vines, instas, tweets, etc of anything incriminating...that isn't just  being safe; it's being smart.

Each one of you has something amazing to offer to any sorority that you accept a bid from, but your words and connections during the recruitment process should be the only thing speaking for you; not your online life

Second:

Do not accept friend requests, twitter follows, etc from actives of a sorority if you are a PNM. Really, I know it's flattering but it's just plain creepy and well, it's weird. Imagine if the Dean of Admissions friended you when you put in your application. A) it's weird B)What if you don't go or get into that school #awkward

Same goes for requests from older girls. It's against Panhellenic rules, they can get in trouble and you could be involved, so just treat those requests like a UFO. You don't need to deny them (they could eventually be your sisters), but just leave them in FB Purgatory until you can figure out what to do with them.

So in short, keep your online identity private and only accept requests from people you actually know. I know this can seem a little obvious but everyone needs reminders from time to time.

As usual, I'm always available if y'all have recruitment or sorority questions.
Have a wonderful day!

Greek Week: Bid Day and Beyond

Image via The Missourian

After a long week, you've made it. It is Bid Day and PNMS and Actives are beyond happy. PNMs can't wait to meet their new sisters and get all "sratty"; Actives can't wait to take a much needed nap. The day starts out with high anticipation, and usually ends with a fun activity and maybe a sleepover. .What isn't to love.

PNMs and Actives alike have so many new people to meet, it may seem overwhelming but just remember that these are your sisters now, the system works and it will work out for the best. As you step away from Bid Day, as school starts, or are thrown into the normal schedule of classes, each group has accomplished something great: making it through recruitment.

At my school, there is a large presentation to the PNMs about how large of a responsibility wearing letters is. The video shows PNMs that the sisterhoods that they will join take their membership seriously and their commitment shouldn't be taken lightly. 
In this vein, here is a little poem I found about sororities, which I believe is extremely timely for Bid Day and beyond.

img via Vintage Greek

While Bid Days are always special, I believe it is the moments beyond Bid Day, that are the most important. Bid Days are beginnings, and sororities are about the entire journey. I am so excited for anyone completing this journey. 

Hope everyone is having an amazing Monday!

Greek Week: Why I Chose My Chapter

image via http://joreyhurley.com/

As the week of recruitment wound down, I began to be faced with what chapter I would eventually call home. I was looking for a place where I knew I would belong, not just because they wanted me, or because their name was known as top tier, but because I connected with the sisters on a personal level and I could see myself being friends with the girls. 
            When I looked back on the chapters I met with, only one stood out to me as one where I had real, legitimate connections. There was only one house where I felt at ease and where everything just seemed to click.

            I had heard some negative things about the chapter. Which is true for every chapter. No sorority has a 100% positive reputation and I made the choice to not believe the hype, but rather, trust my instinct and pick the house where I didn’t have to pretend to be something that I’m not.

            Two years later, I cannot imagine picking another sorority. In fact, I’ve had dreams where I had to pick again, given all the choices, I still picked my chapter because it is where I feel most comfortable. 

            As you go through recruitment, try to find the place where you can be yourself, where you don’t feel judged. Don’t listen to what other people are saying, don’t listen to negative comments about any sorority. Try it out for yourself and remember, trust your gut.

Greek Week: How to Stay Sane

I don't care who you talk to. Recruitment is hard. For PNMs, Actives, Panhellenic Delegates, Advisors, Rho Gammas (rush guides), moms, boyfriends. It is hard for everyone. From nerves the first few days, disappointments that threaten to end your sanity to the lack of sleep for several weeks, it is hard to stay sane during the week before and during Recruitment. After a year on both sides, I'm going to offer some advice

Actives
Ladies get your game faces on. You can do this. You go first for the advice because a) you are probably leaving soonish and b) work week+ recruitment = rough

Here we go:
Move in day, make sure you take priority. Put your recruitment clothes and work week clothes away. Make your bed. Unpack your makeup. Find your underwear. This is all you need to survive. Don't worry about making your room a Srat Castle. You can do this when you have time.
Set alarms. Set many alarms. Keep lists. Staying organized is the key to not forgetting your pin or something the day of.
Drink a ton of water. It is hot this time of year. It is good for your complexion. What's not to love?
Be compassionate. Is your sister acting crazy? Maybe but consider the fact that she is on matching, has been given way to many responsibilities and just try to be nice.
If you cry- it is okay. Most people do. You aren't a freak. This is a challenging time. Just breathe, read a book, watch a tv show. Breathe. You can survive these two weeks.

PNMs

Wow you are in college! Going through recruitment! Good for you. This is going to be an amazing and unique experience. The next week of so will fly by and that's okay. It's okay to become overwhelmed. It.Is.Okay.

Tips
Try to sleep before the first night (easier said than done).

If you spill your drink don't worry, no one is going to hold is against you (promise).

Do not discuss your choices with people. Keep it to yourself because this is your own personal journey. 

You are not the person next to you and if they are trying to compare with you, remember its apples and oranges and its hard to compare two different things.

Keep an open mind in every house. You are not even a college freshman. You are not better than anyone else on campus. Sorry.

If you are totally crushed by not getting a house you want on a day. Do not stop going through. So many girls want to drop out after they don't get a house, but honestly trust the system (I know, I know). It works. Promise.

Do not believe actives who say "See you tomorrow", "I want you to be my little" or "You are going to love being in our sorority" etc. They have no control over their promises. Treat it like a UFO sighting.
If you don't get what you want on Bid Day. This sucks but happens. It's okay to be heartbroken but remember a chapter wants you and is excited to have you. Go and try it out for a couple of weeks. It won't kill you and hey, maybe you will love it.

If you cry- it is okay. Most people do/ will. You aren't a freak. This is a challenging time. Just breathe, read a book, watch a tv show. Breathe.

Ladies. These are challenging weeks ahead. I am 100% confident that we can all make it through in one piece. I will try to update as much as I can once I get to school and in the thick of it, but I will also be dedicating my time to staying sane. Taking deep breaths, reading books, thinking about what I am doing and how in a couple of weeks, this will be all behind me. So get some sleep, relax, and drop me a comment. 

How do you stay sane during recruitment times?