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Skit Night
Panhellenic had sent us information about proper attire for each day before recruitment. It would have been helpful if this had included pictures, but instead we were left to decipher exactly what a term like "snappy casual" actually meant. Ugh! Skit Night attire was listed as business/church attire. I had heard from older friends that traditionally it had been suggested PNMs wear suits. At 18, I had no idea that there were different kinds of suits -- social suits, cocktail suits, business suits, etc. I just knew I needed a jacket and matching bottoms. I also wasn't thrilled about spending a lot of money on a suit.
My brother took me shopping (he lived in our college town) before winter break, and we found a brown wool business suit on sale at a reasonably nice store. It fit pretty well, but the pants were a little short. It was also definitely a business suit. I had paired it with a gold silk shirt. I can't remember the designer of the shirt, but I know I loved it, because it was some designer that I had heard other girls talk about. Theory, maybe? Anyway, because the pants on the suit were a bit short, I needed flat shoes. And this is where I made the biggest fashion mistake of my life -- I bought round toe camel flats and wore them with my almost too short dark brown business suit pants -- I looked like a clown (in hindsight of course).
So I put on my ensemble and head to get my schedule. I already know where I am going and I am feeling pretty good, but a bit self conscious in my business suit. Most of the other girls in my dorm are wearing similar black suits, or just a business casual outfit, so I don't feel too out of place... yet. When I get to the student center, I realize I totally misinterpreted this suit thing. Girls are wearing Chanel-like social suits, DVF dresses with cute little jackets, bootcut pants with gorgeous heels -- not my frumpy interpretation. There's no time to change though and I decide to just make the best of it.
Onto the first skit...
Atlanta - I am picked up by a girl I have never met before, but have seen around campus. We walk into the house together and I am given a cup of pink punch and led into a room that is draped in white fabric and has white tables all around. We sit down at a table and she tells me about their skit and how it exemplifies their chapter. The skit is supposed to show that any type of girl can thrive as an Atlanta. She asks me what I am involved in on campus, what I want out of a sorority and I tell her that I want to be really involved in my chapter, live in the house and have the sisters I have never had before (my family is all boys). She smiles and leads me into the room where the skit will take place. This room is draped in black and they perform an adorable skit, but it doesn't have all the special effects I was expecting to see -- my campus was definitely a frills campus then. Their entire chapter is in the skit in some way though, and I think that's really cool, I could see myself up on that stage in a year. We're escorted out, and a girl I went to high school with taps me on my shoulder to give me a hug and let me know that she hopes to see me tomorrow -- I hope for the same thing.
Boston - In the line outside of their house, it is completely apparent I have gotten it ALL wrong with my outfit. I am nervous, because this chapter is full of stylish girls and I don't want them to see that maybe I don't have it together in that area yet. We're led into the house while loud music plays. I am picked up by someone I have never met before. She's not in the skit, so she leads me into the skit room and sits to talk with me for a bit. She tells me that their skit requires a lot of talent (PM me if you want details, but I think it might give away the campus and chapter), and she's more of a quiet member anyway. I respect that, but also know I don't want to be a background member of my chapter. Am I paired with her because that's what they'd see me as if I pledged? Their skit is nothing short of amazing, but it's not something I could see myself doing. I don't relate with the songs -- I didn't go to private school or boarding school, like one of their jokes, and I kind of feel like I would just be pretending if I joined here. I'm disappointed, but I still try to put my best face forward and leave feeling like I could potentially be invited back.
Los Angeles - I am so honored to be back at Los Angeles. I had heard a rumor that they had only been cut by 3 pnm's so far this week -- I know everyone wants to be a Los Angeles, and that there's nothing negative to say about them. I am picked up by someone I had a class with first semester, but didn't really know. We go straight into the skit, and are seated on risers. The set is very elaborate and it's clear to me that this will be a great skit. The talent level of the members in the skit was really high -- excellent singing, etc. The chapter looks amazing and it's the kind of chapter that anyone would be lucky to be a part of, but I am not feeling any real attachment. Maybe my disillusionment with Boston is spilling over, but I don't think I'll be coming back to Los Angeles.
Chicago - While I am lined up outside Chicago, I see my roommate who is on her way to Los Angeles. She says that while she was in Chicago, one of her rushers mentioned me to her and said she loved me. I ask my roommate (who I have neutral to negative feelings for) if she's interested in Chicago, and she says yes, but not as much as other chapters. Besides, I think they want you way more than they want me. They talked about you a lot! I am feeling really good when their doors swing open and they run out to pick us up. They are playing and singing a cute song and lead us into an amazing set. It's like a dream sequence sort of set and at the very front of the room is a college dorm room set. I was picked up by a completely new girl and she leads me in and gives me a quick intro on the skit. It is performed by sophomores only and is one of the biggest bonding experiences she's had in the house (she's a junior so she's not in the skit). We watch the skit and it's really funny! Afterwards, their entire sophomore class sits on stage together and one of the main characters talks about what Chicago means to them and what they are looking for in their new class. I am touched! It's really meaningful and I feel a strong connection. After the skit, my rusher sits next to me and then the sweet girl who picked me up on day one joins us too. They talk to me about why I would want to be a Chicago and ask if I feel at home here. As we walk out, I cannot wait to come back to Chicago tomorrow. I know I am at home here!
We have another long, long night before accept/regret the next day. I am pretty sure I am going to get cut by at least Boston. I feel like it's been just too perfect at this point and I am pretty nervous about getting my list, because I really really want to be invited back to Chicago and Atlanta. I can't imagine having to go back to the other two at this point, even though they are strong chapters.
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