Soliloquy's Fall 2007 recruitment
 

Hey everyone! I'm Venice's friend and I've decided to rush too. We're both in the same boat with our school involvement and things that may hinder us. So it will be interesting to see what will happen!

I didn't go through rush last year or any cob events this year because I really just wanted to get a feel of what our greek life was on campus first. I like to observe before making choices; I learned the hard way what happens when you make rash ones.

I'm working hard on getting recommendations. I've been following Venice's advice and I think I may have some. One girl who is actually graduating this year said she would write one for me. Do you ladies think that's inappropriate or will it mean more to the respective sorority because it's from a recent member? Hopefully the latter will be true.

So the groups (after some of my favorite groups!):
Copeland
311
Alexisonfire
Damone

I really love all of the sororities on campus and I know I am going to have a tough choice to make. There's something about each that I love that would make me want to join:

Copeland: A lot of the girls in this group are some of the sweetest I've met. I love how they interact with each other.

311: I dig their philanthropy a lot and the activities they do for them.

Damone: I also dig their philanthropy and a lot of the sisters I've met from here have wonderful humor.

Alexisonfire: Unique group of girls who really seem to have their hands in everything.

Disclaimer: not that the others don't display equivalent qualities- these are just the ones that stick out to me the most throughout the year. They're more or less the collective reasons as to why I want to rush :D

I wonder about this as well sometimes - I had a rec letter for one of the chapters on campus written by a girl who had graduated the previous spring. IMO (being a collegiate member) someone who had just graduated from my own chapter might be able to write a rec that relates better to our chapter BUT if the rec-writer graduated not in the best standing then it might not go over so well (i.e. the writer was one strike away from some big judicial problems and as such how do we know the girl she writing for isn't the same?).

this is strictly my opinion, but one rec. would not hold more influence than another. in other words, a newly graduated sisters rec. would not carry more weight than a 30 year members, especially if the pnm did not meet all the criteria the chapter was looking for in a member. in that same vein, a pnm would not be penalized if her rec. was written by a newly graduated member. it is more the content of the rec, than who wrote it, and long as the writer is a member in good standing.

the pnm has to sell herself and exhibit those qualities that would help her to fit in with the chapter, and then the rec. would sort of be the icing on the cake.

First let me say YEAH to a recruitment thread even though it is only May. Seriously, you go through withdrawl. LOL.

Second, good luck with recruitment. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders.

Go Alexisonfire! good luck :)

Thank you for the replies ladies.

I met with a 2 alums and an active of 311 recently, and they gave me some wonderful advice about rush. They even practiced rushed me by asking some stereotypical questions and critiqued my answers! They want me to have a successful rush, even if I do not end up at their house, because they are so confident that I would be a great sorority woman. I know that this is by no means a guarantee that I will get a bid, but it felt great to have a bit of confidence placed in me. I think that I will not be nearly as nervous during rush now- due to their help! I'm so blessed to have such incredible friends :)

Oh! Come to find out, recommendations are not a big deal at my school and if I do not have any it will not hurt me- *whew*

I am very exicted now and simply cannot wait until for the rush period to begin! I certainly hope things will end in my favor and I find a home, if not than that is ok- but those sort of thoughts have not put a damper in my enthusiasm!

Good luck with recruitment!

(And I, too, am glad to see another rush thread...they're my favorite part of Greek Chat!) :D

Well recruitment for the fall has just become a lot more difficult to handle. A good friend of mine who literally just graduated and entered alum status in her sorority died 2 days ago. She was so excited about me going through and even wanted to write a rec for me. She told me that "the idea of you becoming my sister is thrilling!" This girl did everything possible to help calm my fears, and was one of the key reasons why I decided to rush. She was the epitome of a sorority woman and it breaks my heart that I won't be able to see her again.

I cannot imagine how hard it will be for her sisters during recruitment when they do the slideshow and read senior letters. If I make it that far in that particular house, I will be bawling with the rest of the girls.

I do not care if this post makes it obvious where I go to school, or who I am. I just know that this has deeply affected my views on recruitment and life as a whole. You really do not know if today will be your last day on Earth. So please, try to make each day count. <3

I'm so sorry about your friend. That's so sad!

*hugs*

My chapter had a (founding) sister die just shortly before I joined. It's never easy for the sisters, but they did all tell stories about her. We still do a memorial walk for her and her foundation set up by her parents. No matter what happens as far as joining a sorority, I'm sure her sisters will be glad to know one more person who understands their pain.

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. :(


.....Kelly :(

Sorry to hear for your loss, and the chapter's loss also. :(

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. :(

I am sorry for your loss, as well as the loss of her chapter and her family. :(

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, Soliloquy. :(

I, too , am sorry for the tragic loss of this enthusiastic sister. I hope you can be inspired by her, and go through rush knowing that you are looking to be a part of something that obviously meant a great deal to her.

i too am so sorry to learn of your friends passing.

Thank you for all of your kind words.

She truly was an inspiration to me. I looked up to her a great deal. I just hope that I will make her proud!

Soliloquy -

i just found your post. my thoughts are with you and your sisters. my chapter lost a sister during the summer after she was initiated ( i never knew her) but we still make sure she is always included when we talk about the sorority's history. that's how we keep her spirit alive :) i wish you the best.

I appreciate your kind words. She was not my sister, yet. However, we will see what recruitment has in store for me. If I end up joing the sorority she was a part of, I know she will be proud.

I think it is time I introduce some big players in my recruitment story. Their names have been changed to protect their identity, as well as mine!

Farra: A girl I've had a few classes with. She's in my classification and plans on rushing this year. She pretty much thinks she has a guaranteed bid from 311 or Damone since she hangs out with them so frequently. I like the girl a lot, but I am worried that she is relying too heavily on her friendships - without considering all of the other girls who give their input during MS.

Ada: A member of 311 who has been incredibly supportive of everything I have done on campus. She really wants me to join her house and is pulling for me big-time!

Raine: Another good friend of mine in Damone. I saw Raine a few days ago and told her my intentions of going through recruitment. She gave me a big hug and got incredibly excited. She thinks I will do wonderfully and find my home, even if it is not with her GLO. But she definitely would like to see me with her!

Gemma: A friend who is a member of Alexisonfire. She had to disaffiliate for recruitment purposes since she is a member of Panhellenic. I saw her at the Panhellenic tea and she was estatic to see me! She even had me talk to some of the girls there about my interest in joining a sorority and what it has been like to see the girls on campus for an entire year. I suppose I answered very well because she was beaming, along with the rest of the members in Panhellenic. She also thinks I am going to do great and find a home among our 4 great sororities.

Cadence: One of my best friends. She's helped get me far in many organizaitons and is one of my biggest supporters. I told her a few days ago about my upcoming recruitment and she was beyond thrilled. She's offered some great advice so far and is going to arrange for me to meet more sisters (of her org and others) when she gets back from her vacation.

As you all can see, I have gotten a great deal of encouragement so far. I am not taking this encouragement as any guarantees, or allowing it to go to my head, I am just grateful that I have true friends who believe in me. Actually, I honestly think that I will not end up in a house, but I am going to give it a shot anyway. If I end up being proven wrong, I will be estatic- but at least I will not be terribly disappointed if I am correct.

I can already tell that my rush experience is going to be pretty crazy! :D

I am so sorry about the passing of your friend. I hope you are doing a bit better.

As for your post, while I don't personally know you, please don't sell yourself short. You have just as much of a chance to get into a house as any other girl that goes through recruitment. And as weird as this may sound, having friends in houses does help. Yes, they are only one person during thier chapters MS process, but they can obviously vouch for you. :D

Well.. I have recs for 3/4 of the houses! I have a sneaking suspicion that Cadence is responsible for securing a rec for her house, Alexisonfire. An alum called me out of the blue today saying a current member had passed along my number so she could speak with me about writing a rec on my behalf. The alum also laughed when I asked who and said I would just have to wait to find out! haha!

Anyway, I am desperately seeking one more. However, it's been rather well...excuse my language but, hellish!!!! Like I already said, they aren't necessary on my campus for a successful recruitment experience, I just feel like I am entitled to every advantage possible!

I also have all of my outfits together and they are just too cute. Thank you everyone again that gave me all of that valuable input! Due to finances I wasn't able to get any of the dresses I posted, but your opinions definitely helped me while I was shopping.

I am just so ready for recruitment to get here. All of these retro threads lately have made me even more ready for it!

Good luck with recruitment!!:D

I can't think of a better tribute to your friend's memory. May you have the best of luck throughout recruitment!

It's official! I've secured a single rec to every house! The alums are just waiting for me to mail my info along with pictures.

I considered getting 2 for every house, but I'm thinking that will be overkill. Especially since recruitment isn't terribly competitive here and as I've already mentioned, recs aren't necessary. I'm not sure about other PNM's and their recs, but I do know of a few fellow sophmores going through and they don't have any. So this may turn out to be a great advantage for me and a wonderful way to get introduced to the sororities on my campus. A rec for each house definitely calms my nerves a bit for some reason... haha.


I'm getting my hair cut today, followed by a fun photoshoot with a good friend of mine. I'm a photographer, but it's almost impossible for me to get a reasonable shot of myself- so thankfully I'm friends with other photographers! :cool:

I also need to work on stopping this minor case of insomnia or I will be dying during recruitment! haha!

To other PNM's reading my thread:
If you are still struggling to find recs, don't give up. It's an incredibly hard and arduous process if you don't have any greeks in your network. Utilize every bit of advice you can find on this board about how to get them! I started my quest in May and have just finally completed the task.
Don't be afraid to send out polite emails to your local panhellenic about finding help. You may also want to include just very basic information about yourself and handful of accomplishments. I was sure to list my GPA and some of the big things I have done on campus to let the wonderful woman who would be helping me know that I'm a solid candidate for sorority life. I don't know if this is truly necessary, but I have been told that the information was truly appreciated. Also, the number of recs you need per house will vary on a campus-to-campus basis. Check with any greeks who go to your school that you may know, along with the greek life office.

so close... yet so far!

My recruitment adventure will begin soon! I am just so ready to go through the experience of it, no matter the outcome :cool:

Good luck with recruitment, Soliloquy. It's a lot of fun though a little stressful!:)

Dear Soliloquy,

I just found your thread and wanted to wish you good luck. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend passing away in May, but I'm sure she's looking over you :)

Well I had a change of heart on my sundress and spent all week looking for a new one. Which was incredibly difficult considering they're almost of of season! I thought I would never find one as I entered the very last store that might possibly have anything nice. Then I found it. The PERFECT dress! Talk about getting what you want for a change!

So finally, I am ready. I am completely ready. All that needs to be done now is to actually go through with it.

My Gamma Chi called today.

Convocation is 5 days away!

Recruitment is only 6 days away! :eek:

Good luck!
 

Thanks for keeping us posted! I truly hope you have a blast during recruitment!

Well today we were given our shirts, booklets, and met our gamma chi's!

We were also given a great speech by a former national president. She didn't reveal her affiliation, but I have my guesses.

I met a few girls tonight in my group, and other groups, who I clicked with instantly. I hate to sound smug, but I felt like the star of my group. I had girls complimenting on my name, my outfit, saying they've heard of me etc. At one point I was in the center of a circle with like 7 girls around me! Talk about an ego boost...:cool: Please don't think I'm being concieted, but I was amazed by the reception I got from my group! I don't know how these girls know me, but that's cool. I feel like I am going to make some great friends! So no matter what, I'm supremely happy about the new friends I'll be making. Another funny thing, I totally know one of my gamma chi's. Of course I won't share this information with any other girls ;)

Also, a very active alum of 311 called me today! She heard about me through the grapevine and wanted to offer any help she could. We get along wonderfully and I can totally see her as a mentor. I wish she were still an active so she could be my big sis. Anyway, she just wanted to wish me luck, offer an ear of support, and let me know that she would be submitting a rec for me. :eek: Talk about a suprise!

Well I have to be back at ABC University at 8:00 am tomorrow for the first day of parties. I'm so excited! Tonight was so much fun and now I"m just ready for more fun. I can't say how right all of you were that nerves reach to a high point, then something happens to help calm them.

edit: VeniceIsSinking transferred schools and decided not to go through recruitment at her new college.

yay im glad ur finally on your way!!! have fun and GOOD LUCK!

Good luck...have a great time!

Woohoo!! Good luck and you know I'm over here rooting for you allllll the way:D:D:D

Yay, Soliloquy! This is the Recruitment story I've been waiting all summer to read. (yours too, Ocalagirl :p)

You're off to a great start and there's nothing wrong with a little ego boost. You deserve it!

We're all pulling for you to find your home. :)

So I just got home from my first round!!! I have to head back to ABC to find out which houses invited me back tomorrow!!

I got there at 8, hung out with my gamma chi group then we made our way to the lane. Tradition states that we have to walk past the frat houses... they pulled some pretty funny stunts. Thankfully there was nothing degrading that occured, they just hollered and acted silly.

311: My first party (after waiting an hour and a half!), and what a place to start. Panhellenic counted down from 10 when the doors would open and the closer they got to 1, the faster my heart beated!! We filed in to the sounds of their chants and I was greeted by Ada. We, of course, had a great convo. Another friend of mine came over to talk with us. Then, another girl who I had never met before joined in. I glanced around and I was one of the only ones who had 3 actives rushing me! I was led to a pillow on the floor to watch a slideshow while the girls lined up on both sides singing and dancing. I almost teared up a bit because I was finally here. I was finally starting something I had so anxiously been waiting for. I was clapping and dancing in my pillow along with them! At the end they led us away from the slideshow to talk a bit again. Ada escorted me out while the girls were chanting. I was sure to say "I can't wait to come back tomorrow!" I left 311 with the biggest smile possible on my face!!

We had lunch then continued onwards!

Damone: Just like last time, they counted to 10 and the doors swung open to a crowd of girls. And just like last time I was greeted by a friend, Raine! Raine and another girl talked with me. We had such a good time laughing and joking. They had mentioned some rude behaviors displayed by a few girls (like texting!!) and were so glad to finally be with someone they were comfortable with. I seriously think like 5 girls I know came up to me to say hello. They were beaming and just so excited to see me there. I got some hugs, which I know isn't supposed to happen- but they couldn't help it and I'm pretty sure no one in my rush group was offended by it. Once again we sat down to watch the slideshow while the girls lined up to sing and dance. I had fun watching the Damone girls and enjoyed their songs, just as much as I did the 311 ones! I spoke with Raine and her friend again, then Raine escorted me out. Another friend of mine grabbed my hand on the way out and gave me a huge thumbs up. I told Raine "I can't wait to see whats in store for tomorrow!!" I left there happily suprised at how comfortable I felt. Just further proves what an open mind can do for you!!!

Copeland: The girl I talked to was from my homestate, which is weird for this part of the country. We grew up about 15 minutes away from each other. I had a pretty good convo with her, then a friend of mine came running over to join in. Watched the slideshow, saw their songs etc. Overall it was alright, but they just had some big shoes to fill after those first 2 houses. Their final song was super cute and I left feeling pretty good. I'm more then willing to give them another chance, which is why I also said "Hope to see you again tomorrow!".

Alexisonfire: This was the first house I had been to where I wasn't rushed by someone I was friends with, or bumped by someone I was friends with. The girl I started off with recognized me from my campus achivements and we had a great convo. I was bumped to another girl who I also had a lot of fun talking to. We were just acting goofy and laughing! I have to say that they had the most coordinated dances for their songs. My friends there tried so hard to catch my attention during the songs to wave. I finally caught the silent "PST! SOLILOQUY!!!" whispers to wave back! I was escorted out to a funny chant that had me laughing the whole way. I was sure to tell the girl "I had fun! Hope to see you tomorrow"

We weren't asked to rank since we are allowed to visit up to 4 houses tomorrow. However, based solely on the first day my personal ranking would be:

1. 311
2. Damone
3. Alexisonfire
4. Copeland

My goal today was to make the girls laugh! Let them know they have no reason to be nervous around me and of course to let myself shine. I feel like I did a good job staying true to myself and sticking to those goals. I had a great time and no matter what, I am having so much fun! I also was sure to address a very important issue in every house that was very well-recieved.

I will let all of you know later tonight how my invites shape up. Sorry for the novel!!!

it was fun to read!! i tear up at the drop of a hat, so i could relate to you at your first party!!

hope it is all good tomorrow.

Sounds like you had an awesome first round. It sure helps to know people going into recruitment! You're going to have hard choices down the line, but it's a lot better being stuck between multiple good choices then multiple bad ones!:p

Sounds as if recruitment is off to a great start for you! Enjoy this time.