Things Every PNM Should Know Before Recruitment

Hi! My name is Delta Pennington, and this year I am serving as the Membership Vice President of Alpha Xi Delta here at UofSC.

As we get closer to recruitment, I know how it feels to become more and more excited, yet anxious about all the changes happening in your life. If I had to start college and go through recruitment again or go through recruitment virtually, here are the things I wish somebody would have told me:

BE YOURSELF

On the inside and outside, the most important thing to be is yourself. Going through recruitment we get caught up in trying to find the right things to wear, the right makeup or hairstyles, or the right things to say. It is so important when making these decisions to stay true to yourself and who you are, rather than trying to impress others. The Panhellenic community at USC thrives because we are made up of genuine, unique, and confident women, women just like you! Take the time before recruitment starts to reflect on your own values and beliefs so that you are able to find the best fit for yourself on campus.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS

When going through recruitment it can feel like you are being overwhelmed with information. Ask questions when you are confused about something, when you forget something, or when you want to learn more about something. Everyone you talk to is a resource full of information about greek life, college life, and Columbia! Whether you are having a conversation with a member of a sorority or a Pi Chi, they are there to answer your questions! We have all been in your shoes and know how confusing it can be!

DON’T LISTEN TO THE RUMORS

Listening to all the gossip of recruitment will only stress you out more. You will hear different opinions circulating about every chapter on campus. Do not let the rumors and gossip change your mind on a chapter. Trust your gut! I promise you that there are wonderful and amazing women in every single chapter waiting for you to join and help you reach your potential! Also, remember that your experience will be different than those around you and everyone will have different reactions to different houses. Don’t let your roommate's opinion sway your own opinion. This is about finding the best chapter for you!

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Mentally and physically, recruitment is going to exhaust you. The days are going to be long and your mind is going to be spinning, so make sure you are drinking plenty of water, getting plenty of sleep, and overall taking care of yourself. Your Pi Chis are always available to talk if you need advice. Keeping a positive attitude and trying to stay encouraged will completely change the whole recruitment process for you!

HAVE FUN

Remember that recruitment is supposed to be fun, and it is fun if you keep an open mind and have a positive attitude! You are getting the opportunity to meet new women who are passionate about the organization you could potentially be a part of! These women are so excited to tell you about their own experiences in their organization, at UofSC, and in Columbia. And you get to tell all these women about your own passions and values! One of the best things about recruitment is the friendships you make—I not only made friends with women I spoke to in different houses, but also met sisters who I now have a stronger bond with. Have fun, trust the process, and get excited about your new home!

BE PREPARED

While recruitment should feel natural and comfortable, being prepared in the ways you can be will help you feel more confident. Be prepared to talk about yourself—these sororities are eager to get to know you and what makes you who you are! Be prepared to use virtual platforms. The more comfortable you are using the video platform and talking to a screen, the less you have to worry about these things during conversations or if an issue arises. Be prepared and have an outfit picked out for each round. This, once again, is just one less thing you have to stress about in the moment. Be prepared for the unexpected. Know that no matter how much you try to prepare, things will happen that are out of your control. You have to keep an open mind for this process in general!

I’LL LET YOU IN ON A SECRET

I know the thought of talking to so many new people in an interview-type process can make you so nervous. Well, just remember the women you will be talking to are going to be just as nervous as you are! For some of these women this will be their first time participating in recruitment on this side, and for others this may be their second or third time talking to PNMs. Regardless though, this is all our first time doing so much of it in a virtual arena. So just know you aren’t the only one worrying about your screen freezing and catching you in that horrible pose or the internet glitching at that moment you were about to get to the funny part of your story. We are all thinking about the same things! Just know that while in the moment something crazy like this may seem like the worst thing in the world, it’s going to be what you are laughing about with your sisters in just a few short weeks!

While you continue to get ready for Recruitment, I hope you are able to keep these tips in mind. We are so excited to meet you and help you along this journey!

Xoxi,

Delta Pennington