Thank you all so much for your kind words, encouragement, and support.

Open House a week from tomorrow (so I guess technically I should have started this thread today, instead of almost a month ago...oops!)I go back to New Orleans tomorrow and I am really looking forward to the semester starting, and, of course, the weekend coming. The schedule for recruitment looks like this:

Thursday, January 13th- Kickoff 9:15 pm
Saturday, January 15th- Open House 9:30 am-5:15 pm
Sunday, January 16th- First Series (slide show) 2:00-6:45 pm

...5 days of school and stress...

Friday, January 21- Second Series (skit night) 5:00-8:00 pm
Saturday, January 22- Preference Night 3:00-6:00 pm
Sunday, January 23- BID DAY (fingers crossed!!)

So, there you go. Winter break has been a nice way to relax, but unfortunately I have gotten really sick. I can barely speak, but today (so far) has been the best I have been. Hopefully I will be better by the time classes start, and if not, by Saturday. How terrible would that be if no one was talking to could hear me?!?

Now, I have a question. I have lurked around GC long enough to know that when going through recruitment one should keep an open mind. Unfortunately, however, having been at Tulane a semester, I know which stereotypes go along with each chapter. I know these things change, so should I overlook them? Or should I take them into consideration? Thank you so much in advance for your advice!

See you soon!

I think it really depends on each individual situation as to whether or not you listen to stereotypes. I say this because if you keep an open mind and go into a house that is known to be a bunch of snotty B**ches and who all have blonde hair and big boobs, but then you meet some really sweet girls who dont fit the stereotype, are you going to rule them out because you don't want to be lumped into this category? If you go to another house that is known to be smaller and struggling but see what an awesome close sisterhood they have, see all the opportunities you have as a younger member to take on leadership roles, etc, to see this chapter expand and be a part of it, are you going to be a snotty you know what yourself and not join because you don't want people to think you're a loser? Anyway, I just hate spring rush because there are so many things that a pnm can hear about a group and most of them have their minds made up going into recruitment about how they feel about each chapter, before even meeting a single member. The result? Struggling chapters struggle more and stronger chapters get stronger. Sigh, /soapbox.
I would definitely advise you to keep an open mind and go where you feel most comfortable, not where you would least likely fall into a negative stereotype.

A chapter can't be in one week what they are not the other 51 weeks -- that's even more true with Deferred Recruitment.

Sure, keep an open mind & an open heart, but weigh all things that you know.

Hope you have a super experience. Newcomb has a great Greek legacy.

If they're things like "XYZ is all blonde rich witches" or "ABC all have 4.0's and never party" ignore them. Those are ridiculous and have nothing to do with the relationships you will find within the sorority.

However, if it's things like "PQR have a serious drug problem" and you've got firsthand knowledge of it - like every PQR you met has been stoned or constantly wiping her nose or their members have been arrested for possession - that's when you should think twice.

I agree, that was the rest of my "it depends on the situation" comment. I got on a rant about the other though. :)

I completely agree. When I went through, some houses held their stereotypes. Others, though, completely shocked me. I ended up going back to some houses I never thought I would. A lot of it depends on who you have for the day at the houses.

Good luck :D

Just a warning it is extremley hot in New Orleans right now. SO i would make sure you rush clothes aren't very winter but something you could throw a jacket or sweater over if necessary. Today it is 75 degrees. Good luck just ignore the stereotypes you hear and go in and meet all the girls!!!

I agree with what these ladies are saying. Be true to yourself, and find the sorority where you fit in the best. Stereotypes are often perpetuated out of old rumors.

For example, I was schocked to learn the "hard party girl" sorority at one school was full of nice pretty girls who knocked everyone out of the park with their campus awards, community involvement and leadership... the stigma came from many years back when there had been some chapter issues. They had a great sisterhood and I couldn't understand where the rumor had gotten started.

So listen to your heart, and not the tent talk or rumors. You're the prospective member, not all the naysayers!

It's not extremely hot! What are you talking about?

For mid January it is hot.

BUT THERE'S NO HUMIDITY. THAT MAKES IT VERY NICE!!! :D

Hell girl, can you send that type of weather up to the Pacific NW? PLEASE? :D
(typing this because we have 6 inches of snow and crappy side streets that have lots of snow and ice)

LOL. It got cooler today I mean nothing like ya'lls snow cold but like 54 degrees. Our weather is schizophrenic.

Yeah! It is Thursday and kickoff time! How did it go?

And it is kind of cold today in La. I actually needed a long sleeved shirt today;)
But this weekend it is supposed to freeze. That means the doggie sleeps inside!

Ugh, our recruitment next door started tonight and it was so cold!!! And of course, it was rainy all day and really gross!!