Two Stories for the Price of One
 

Hey everyone! I went through recruitment last year, but never posted my story on here. I want to keep my school and my identity a secret, so I came up with code names. If you figure out the school, please don’t post it. I decided to do a Hunger Games themed thread. Make sure you read till the very end! ;) My school had 8 sororities last year (and in no particular order):

Katniss
Peeta
Gale
Primrose
Haymitch
Effie
Cinna
Cato

Let me first off say that I have ALWAYS wanted to join a sorority ever since I was little. I never had a big sister so I wanted that sisterhood feel and I thought it was cool that everyone gets a Big. I am a lost little girl when it comes to makeup and what clothes are right to wear, so I was looking forward to having sisters to ask for advice and whatnot.

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The details might be a little hazy…but I’ll just try to get to the point with everything.

I go to a school where it is not competitive Greek Life. But if you’re not Greek, there is literally nothing to do on the weekends/weeknights. My school is a big commuter school; so most people go home on the weekends and it can get boring here. I did not have that luxury to just go home when I wanted to last year because I was 4 hours away from home and car-less. I remember asking one of the Pi Chis at Orientation Night, what happens if you don’t get a bid? She looked at me like I had 2 heads and said, “Everyone basically gets a bid. It is really rare not to. Most girls will drop out on their own without being cut.” That relaxed me.

Also side note, I had a GPA above a 4.0 in high school and was in a leadership role at my high school.

On Orientation Night, I met my Pi Chis and my group. Everyone was nice, but a few of the girls already knew what they wanted. I noticed the “tent talk” started early. My Pi Chis had a rule. They said that if you didn’t hear from them by 2am by phone call, then you were good and you made it to the next round.

The next days, we visited all the houses. I’ll never forget the first house that I visited was Effie. ALL of the girls at Effie were DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS. They had their makeup perfectly plastered on their face. Slender bodies and legs that could go on for miles. I had no idea what to expect going in to the house, but I was in complete awe. I talked about intramural sports and their Big/Little program here. After a while, time was up and we all left the house. After I got out, I was ready to drop out of recruitment. If all the sorority houses were like that, I would NEVER fit in.

The next house was Primrose. This house was a lot more relaxing and the tension was gone. I was able to relax and get comfortable enough to talk to the 6 other houses. I didn't feel that "click" though.

After that was Peeta. This was a tension-free house too. I remember this blonde girl that I talked to was SO nice and we talked about events at my school.

The next house we visited was Gale . This was a favorite among my group. All the girls started whispering to one another and fixing their makeup. I remember talking to the RA of the house, who was a sweet girl. Another girl I talked to was from my hometown. We talked about the mall and other things to do back home. I loved this house and felt like I fit in.

I don’t remember anything from Cinna to be honest. I had nothing bad to say about them though.

At Haymitch , the girls were just really pretty. This was another favorite among PNMs. This didn’t feel like my home though.

I walked into Cato next and I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY. I do not remember the conversations, but it was my favorite house up until that point.

The last house was Katniss. I was SO nervous in this house because of how beautifully decorated everything was. I talked to a sophomore there and she was one of the most outgoing girls there. She was extremely nice and made me feel at home. This was my new home. It had to be. I ranked my houses, then I went to sleep excited for the next day.

Can't wait to read the rest of this one! I know many of us have been waiting for it.

The next day you could have 6 out of 8. I got 5 back.

Primrose
Peeta
Cinna
Cato
Katniss

I was upset that I didn’t have a full schedule and I was sad to see Gale gone. But I had Cato and Katniss on my schedule so nothing else mattered.

I walked into Primrose and everyone I talked to I had nothing in common with. It made me sad. This girl that was rushing me talked about her love for country music and I said how I didn’t really care for it, but she kept going on and on about it. It was a turn off.

Next house was Peeta. Still nice girls!

Cinna . No opinion once again, but still nice girls.

Cato…I was star-struck going into this house because I wanted it so badly. The VP of Recruitment (I checked out the Cato booth before recruitment and met her there) recognized me and said hi to me and I was giddy with excitement. One of the girls that rushed me though was so not interested in talking to me and the conversation seemed forced. Besides that one girl, I still loved the house. And they were definitely on my top with Katniss.

Once again, blown away by Katniss. I loved their philanthropy and the event that they held to raise money.

The next day we could visit 4 houses. In no particular order I remember putting down.

1. Peeta
1. Katniss
1. Cato
1. Cinna
2. Primrose
3. (Blank)

I went to bed worried that I wouldn’t be able to choose between Katniss and Cato.

Hahaha yeah sorry to keep you all in suspense! Wanted to make sure I officially had a bid before posting.

The next day my schedule was Katniss, Cinna, and Primrose. Okay, guess now I don’t have to choose between Katniss and Cato. Once again, I was sad that I didn’t have a full schedule of 4, but bid day was the next day…so I wasn’t too worried.

I went to Primrose and it was literally a silent rush. I felt out of place and to be honest, my heart wasn’t in it because I already fell in love with another house.

Katniss….once again, IN LOVE. That’s all I remember.

By now, I knew I needed to form an opinion on Cinna. The girls I talked to all week were nice, but a few of the rushers seemed like she didn’t even want to be at the house. It was weird. They were still nice girls, so I just didn’t let that bother me. I was putting all my eggs in the Katniss basket.

The next day was Pref/Bid Day. I couldn’t believe it! The next day I would have a home!!!!

My rankings were:

1. Katniss
1. Cinna
2. Primrose
3. (Blank)

I went to sleep with nerves…..

We are so thrilled for you! But be kind to us....post the sssstttooooooorrrryyyyy!!!!!

Yes -- please post!!! :)

yes please post quickly as I can't wait to hear this year's story!

RING RING RING.

I glanced at my phone. It was 1:57am. It was one of my Pi Chis. I remembered that 2am rule that they had. Oh no.

Me: Hello?
Pi Chi: Hi (my name)! I just want to let you know that you’ve been released from the process. You do not have to show up tomorrow. I’m sorry.
Me: Oh….okay.

And then I went back to sleep. I was half-asleep when she called. The next day I woke up at 9am and it hit me. I got in NO WHERE. I immediately started crying. I tried to call both of my Pi Chis, but they weren’t really interested in consoling a crying girl because it was the last day of rush and they had a million other things to do.

I couldn’t believe that I got released on the last day. I was angry and hurt.

My whole freshmen year last year consisted me watching with ENVY as my friends/roommates went off and did sorority things. I was completely heart broken. I got made fun of basically all year by a few boys who knew I went through recruitment and that I got released. If I went to a party, the first thing people would ask would be what sorority I was in. I would tell them I wasn’t in one. Automatically, not interested in talking to me. My friends (in sororities) used to comfort me, but I could tell they were just glad it didn’t happen to them. They all got their first choice with no problem. I cried a lot last year.

Oh and I even did Spring Rush (very informal recruitment) when it was offered. A handful of houses were doing it. Katniss being one of them I talked to SO MANY girls when I visited. I thought that was a good sign. Nope. No invite back.

But here’s the twist. A year has gone by. I’m a sophomore now and it is recruitment season. This is TAKE TWO of rush.

Lol yes last year's! Make sure to just keep reading. ;)

The first night was orientation night. All around me were pretty PNMs. I started thinking wow, if I didn’t get in last year, how could I even compete with all these beautiful confident girls this year?

A Pi Chi near me was talking to some girls about how girls rarely not get bids. She said as long as you play by the rules and nicely, you have nothing to worry about. I turned red. My two Pi Chis basically said the same thing. They said, do not worry about anything. If you play fair, you will get a bid. Everyone has a home as long as you keep an open mind. If it was possible to disappear, I wanted to do it right then and there.

HOW IN THE WORLD COULD I GO THROUGH RECRUITMENT AGAIN?

Shaking off that feeling, I knew this year that I had to be confident. I could not act like I desperately wanted to get into ABC or XYZ sorority.

My friend at a different school who is a senior in a sorority (we shall call her Emily) said she would coach me through the process this year. She goes to a sorority that is not offered on my campus. The school she goes to is very big on Greek life. She told me no matter what, go through with an open mind. Trust the process and you will find a house that fits you, not how you fit in with the house. She was one of those success stories who did not get her first choice, but now she wouldn’t have it any other way with where she ended up. This made me feel more comfortable.

Recs at my school are not required whatsoever, but I got recs to 2 sororities (Gale and Katniss) this year thanks to the help of Emily. I would have gotten more, but these were all done like last minute and this was all she could help me with. Before recruitment officially started, I texted her my outfits for the week and things like that and she approved them, or added suggestions.

If it makes any difference, I am also noting that this year I’m going through recruitment with over a 3.5 college GPA. And I have a leadership role on campus. I knew that none of the sororities would release me because my grades weren’t high enough.

May the odd be ever in my favor.

Pretty much all of the above makes me so mad! First your Pi Chi should have been way more attentive to you.. And uggg boys are dumb...

I think it is awesome that you gave Greek Life another try...

Round 1 we saw all 8 sororities.

Primrose – At this house it was 2 PNMs per 1 sister. The other PNM was kind of awkward and didn’t talk, so I thought that made it more in my favor. I could talk to the sisters with ease, but we didn’t have much in common.

Cato – One of my favorites from last year! Once again, 2 PNMs per 1 sister. SO AWKWARD. The other PNM finally started talking so I felt like she “outshined” me here. I’m nervous I won’t get invited back. I still love Cato.

Katniss – I had a rec for Katniss, so I was a little nervous going into their house. I loved Katniss last year, and I still love it now. I talked to 3 girls. All really nice.

Peeta – Really great group of girls, but they kept emphasizing for me to keep an “open mind” and to “trust the process.” They made it clear that this wasn’t their first choice house when they went through recruitment, but grew to love it. I thought that was weird how basically everyone I talked to said that.

Effie – Oh the intimidating girls from last year. This time I went into their house and felt SO COMFORTABLE. Granted all the girls looked beautiful, but my conversations flowed with ease.

Gale – I had a rec for this house too. My best friend and a handful of other good friends are in this sorority. I’m not sure if I fit in here, but I want to see if they invite me back tomorrow. I felt like I didn’t spend enough time in the house to get to know the girls and I want to give them a shot.

Cinna – Oh boy, I was wondering how this was going to be this time around. I entered their house and started talking to this one sister. She was incredibly nice. All of them were. I couldn’t believe how in love I was with this sorority just from today. One of the girls kept complimenting me. I don’t know if that’s a good or bad sign. As I was leaving, I accidentally blurted out “Hope to see you tomorrow.” Woops.

Haymitch – Didn’t really care for this sorority last year. LOVED them this year. I talked the sisters ears off and they didn’t really have to ask me any questions. Might have messed this up then.

At the end of the day I ranked (in no particular order unless noted):

1. Effie
1. Gale
1. Katniss
1. Cato
1. Cinna
1. Haymitch
2. Peeta
3. Primrose

I know! My Pi Chis this year were AMAZING though, so it made up for the disaster of last year.

And thanks! I was determined to find my home away from home, and sisters. :)

I'll post more of my story later, but there's another twist that's going to be thrown in. Feel free to guess where I end up! ;)

Can't wait to hear the rest of the story! (I won't post it of course but I think I figured out which school, which I never do so it would be a first lol)

I'll guess maybe Effie or Haymitch

I'm guessing Gale. Or Katniss, but I think Gale, because they seem to have come out of nowhere as a possibility.

I'm going to guess Cinna, but I'm rooting for Peeta!

I have a feeling there might be a ninth player in these games...

I'll throw out a wild guess: based on the fact that you started this thread saying "My school had 8 sororities last year" and there will be another twist... Did you join a colony?

I don't think so based on how the timeline sounded in your other thread... But I couldn't help but wonder.

ETA: darnit Tulip, I type too slowly on my phone and you beat me to it! But I'm glad I'm not alone in wondering :)

Ughhhh the suspense!!! Post more when you can :)

I thought that too, cause that's how I worded MY recruitment story when I ultimately joined a colony :)

Day Two

The most you could get today were 6 houses. I got my schedule from my Pi Chi's. Gale , Peeta, and Primrose. What…. 3 houses.

I had to hold back my tears.

Peeta was my first house. I was emotional from my schedule for today and the video that they showed was so sad. I started crying while I was talking to the first member. I felt so embarrassed. All the girls kept talking about how they didn’t know that this was their home until like weeks later in the house. That’s not appealing for me. I want to know that I am home. I want to be proud to wear my Greek letters. I’m still trying to keeping an open mind with this house.

Primrose – I remember this house last year on this day, and just like last year…it was all kinds of awkward. Once again, one of the girls I got matched with babbled on about her love of country music (I hate country music).

Gale – What a difference with this house today. It went absolutely beautiful. And by luck, my best friend (who is a Gale ) got matched up to talk to me. I know her vote is just one of many, but it was so nice to be able to see/talk to her. I haven’t been able to communicate with her for the past few days! I really love this house now, but we know what happens when we love something too much. I’m praying that Gale does not drop me.

At the end of the day, I got to rank the houses. Oh boy..this was gonna be oh so difficult (in no particular order):

1. Peeta
1. Primrose
1. Gale
1. (Blank)
2. (Blank)
3. (Blank)

I don't know exactly how PNM line-ups, etc. work at your school, but I'm thinking this wasn't just by chance :)

I love reading your story; Can't wait to hear the ending!

I believe in Peeta! I can't wait to read the rest. :)

Which is why PNMs are asked to trust the system, and why they don't need to have any inkling of how the Magic of Recruitment works. They just need to enjoy their process.

It's awfully hard to tell a girl to trust the process when she's just been released, especially right before prefs.

WHAT!!! Where's the end of the story? I don't get on here often anymore and this is the only recruitment thread I'm following this year.

THIS. Exactly. I rolled my eyes when they told me to trust the process this year.

I have some time before class...so it's coming!

I did not enjoy the process last year lol.

This is one of the best recruitment threads I've read this year! :)

CURVEBALL TIME.

A new colony Glimmer was coming to my school. I was in awe of Glimmer and always knew I could withdraw from the process and be a part of the history of colonization.

And that's exactly what I planned on doing the night before Day 3...


Day 3

I walked into Day 3 ready to withdraw. My Pi Chi’s handed me my schedule. Peeta and Primrose. I loved my Pi Chi’s so much so I agreed to stay in the process, but to drop before I signed my pref card.

Peeta – I went to Peeta with a closed mind. All I kept thinking about was I can’t wait to withdraw from the process lalalalala. Once again, I asked the girls why did they choose this as their home? This time, I loved their answers. They said that they didn’t have to pretend to be someone they were not. They felt at home. I finally felt like I would fit in. I wouldn’t be intimidated trying to fit a certain mold. Seriously everyone I talked to today was so amazing. I didn’t want to fall in love, but not going to lie, I did. Everyone I talked to today was just beyond amazing and I would be proud to call my sisters. Now I was iffy on whether to drop or not.

Primrose – The only way to describe my experience in this house was awkward. One of the girl’s just kept going on and on and wouldn’t let me get a word in. I ended up talking to someone I knew last year. I wanted to relax and talk normally. She didn’t want that. She wouldn’t stop steering the conversation to her sorority. There were many awkward pauses where we wouldn’t say anything.

Time to rank!

1. Peeta
1. Primrose
2. (Blank)
3. (Blank)

I left Day 3 torn between Glimmer and Peeta.

Thanks! Hopefully I keep people guessing on where I ended up.

And now I have to get to class, so the ending shall wait till tonight!! Feel free to keep guessing away guys. ;)

I believe it is a Peeta ending!

Actually...I got ready for class early. I have some time to finish my story!


Day 4.

No phone call. I wasn’t released, but I was ready to release myself. I didn’t want to show up again, but I remember promising my Pi Chi’s I would. I just wanted to be in Glimmer and be done with this whole thing. As I walked to meet my group, I was wondering who was going to ask me back.. My Pi Chi’s handed me my card…Peeta.

Ugh, really? I wanted to leave. Not fall in love again. The Pi Chi’s told us going in that we will probably only be talking to 1 person. Oh great, just 1. This 1 person held my fate on whether or not I was going to withdraw.

Peeta – Once again, I went in with a very CLOSED mind. Like I was rolling my eyes waiting in line because I did not want to be there. All I could think about how great it was going to be to go home. The girl that preffed me, I barely remembered. Wow this was going to be easy to withdraw from. As we kept talking, I finally remembered when I talked to her. The conversation was decent and she was super nice, but my mind was on Glimmer. In a turn of events, another girl sat down and started talking to me. She was extremely sweet, but I still wasn’t convinced. Glimmer bound baby!! Finally, one other girl sat down and I shared my dilemma with her. She basically sealed the deal for me, and I realized oh my gosh, I belong here. I can’t drop out. Their short ritual that I witnessed was absolutely beautiful and had me crying. The sisters were crying themselves. There was no act. Everyone here was genuine. Yes, Peeta isn't the most popular sorority on campus, but at this point I was thinking who cared? I wanted to join a sorority so I could find a sisterhood, not because I wanted to be well-liked among the fraternity boys.

I ranked Peeta as my one and only and prayed that I would not get a phone call releasing me.


............
Later that night...

RING RING RING

I was about to enter sleep mode, when I heard my phone ringing. It was 12:30pm. NO. NOT AGAIN.

Okay, let me back up.

I meant this in the spirit of trying to explain to PNMs the ins and outs of the process, even in relatively vague terms. It's easy to take one general comment and run with it.

Thanks all I meant. I'm sorry I came across as trite. I hope your recruitment ends with you happy!!

Turns out it was just my friend calling me. I yelled at her...then I went back to sleep. :)

I woke up the next morning and glanced at my phone. NO MISSED PHONE CALLS! That means I was going to be a Peeta.

I cried (tears of joy) at bid day! And when I saw my best friend who was already a member in Gale , I lost it and starting bawling some more. (Happy tears remember).

It's really weird how things worked out this year and how I wasn't even close to ending up in Peeta last year. But looking back now, I had to go through all these events, so I could truly know that I was home. I just hate how it took me a year for me to finally find it...who knew what would have happened if I didn't get released last year. Yeah..I play the what if game a lot lol.

Oh and you guys are probably wondering...WHAT IS PEETA?!?


PeetaPeetaPeeta










I am now a new member of......















CHI OMEGA.

The end. :)

Lol it's not a big deal. That's usually what happens like 97% of the time...trust the process and it works out. And it did end up happy, thanks. :)

Congratulations! I'm sending virtual bouquets of rose-colored carnations for YOU!