Wareagle93's Summer Recruitment Experience

[wareagle93]

For those of you who do not know, I will not be going through fall rush at AU. I was very blessed and fortunate to receive a few bids, and I pledged a Fraternity over the summer.

As an oos student, I did my research on the Organizations on campus and made a list of 5 that I wanted to visit. These included:

Cardinals
Saints
Eagles
Falcons
Bengals


The first event I attended was on behalf of the Bengals. As soon as I went in, I became acquainted with quite a few of the members-specifically two of them (whom I spent most of my time with). They asked me the basics-where I was from, what I did in High School/community and how my marks were. I told them I was from Italy (obviously not true-but for anonymity purposes), and when I did, their eyebrows rose a little. Not in a “what the hell” way, but in an “Oh my. Wow! Really?” way. They told me that there were more people from my state involved in Greek Life at AU than one would imagine, but that hardly anyone from there was apart of their organization. I was not intimidated, and we went on to carry on a great conversation. I tied my experience in the community/school in with their philanthropy efforts and they were very excited. We ended up having a lot in common and I was really blown away by their involvement in the community, how much they loved AU and how loyal they were to each other. At the end of the event, and everyone was preparing to take off, I thanked the members for their time and was already to set off. The same two members who I had great conversation with, stopped me and told me one-on-one (well, I guess two-on-one lol; and at this point everyone had already left) that they would like to see me at their next event in a few weeks. They personally told me when and where it would take place, and that they wanted to see me again, and that if everything went well, there very well could be some excitement and good news. I got really excited at the thought, thanked them for their time and for inviting me to another event, and I headed off.

The second organization that I visited was the Saints. They had a very lively atmosphere and some outstanding food, too! I got introduced quickly to some of the members, and we made good conversation. They asked the same basic questions that the Bengals did, and although I told them I was from Italy, they admitted that they had a good amount of kids from a certain location, but that they also had kids from all corners of the country. It seemed as if all was going well, but then things took a weird turn. They began asking me questions that were somewhat private, about my family and the area that I lived in. I have to admit, the topics of these questions were somewhat impolite to ask, and for me, this was a turn off. Don’t get me wrong, they had a lot of terrific guys, but I’d be lying if there were quite a few that weren’t asking these weird questions and had “unique” personalities. I did not stay the entire time, but I thanked them for their time. As I was heading out they said that I, as well as others that were leaving, should feel free to stop by at the other events they would host later in the summer.

The third event that I attended was on behalf of the Falcons. From the moment I arrived I felt completely comfortable, as if I were at home. I instantly felt a connection with the members that I talked to-a tiny bit more than the Bengals and MUCH more than with the Saints. They asked me more of the same basic questions as I made my way across where everyone was. I picked up that they had a lot of members from a certain area, much like the Bengals, but did have kids from more different states than them. I again tied my experiences in my life back home with their philanthropy and brotherhood. They looked out for one another, were very social, did tremendous things in the community and made pretty good grades. They were really interested and wanted to know more and more about me (it was as if I was talking with a group of my buddies back home). Once the event ended, I was set to take off and thanked them for their time. They told me it was a real pleasure to have met me, and the member that I hit it off with the best told me about another event that they were planning on having in the next few weeks. He said I really should consider going, and he, and a few other of the guys wanted me to come. They also said that they wanted me to meet more of the members that were not attending this event, and that they had a really good vibe about me. I was really happy and thanked them.

After a while at home, I headed back to Auburn. The 4th event I attended was on behalf of the Eagles. When I told them where I was from, a few of the members smiled. It turns out, two of the members had lived in the state I did, before moving, and another one lived in the exact same state. We could relate on a number of topics, especially being from that area. Again, this organization had a good deal of kids from the same certain area as the other 3, but had guys from all corners of the U.S (more than all of the others). The entertainment and atmosphere (as well as the food) that they provided was really good. I enjoyed their philanthropy efforts and what they stood for as well. But, then, this organization did something that none of the others had ever done-they offered me an invitation (bid) to join them. They really liked me and could see we had a strong connection/similar interests. I was really touched, and asked them if I could hold the invitation, something they had no problem with. I left after the event was almost over, and thanked them for their time.

The 5th event I visited was on behalf of the Cardinals. Long story short, I had an absolute blast, and it was really an honor to meet some of the guys. This organization was very involved in the community and had a very loyal brotherhood. They acknowledged that although a good number of members were from the same certain area, they also had men from all corners of the country. I had just as much in common with the Cardinals as I did with the Bengals and Falcons. We talked about how much we looked forward to the start of the football season and if Gene Chizik had lived up to expectations. Before I left, they said it was a real treat to get to know me. They extended me a bid, and I was thrilled. I asked them if it would be a problem to hold onto it-maximize my options, to which they told me “Not at all. But, be sure to let us know when you can.”


Shortly after I visited the Falcons and the Bengals for a second time. Would that make a difference at all in how my story ends? Would the fact that I had great familiarity with the Eagles make the return visits a non-factor? Part II, which is the final part, will be up tomorrow. I hope you all enjoy!

[MerryGPhiB]

LOVE IT!!

[wareagle93]

Originally Posted by MerryGPhiB

LOVE IT!!

Thank you. I really, really appreciate it.

[ElieM]

Great start - look forward to more

[victoriana]

You're awesome. I already know you got your happy ending but I can't wait to hear details.

[AuburnMom85]

Great read! I can't wait for the rest of your story!

[wareagle93]

Part II: The 2nd Visits & The Decision

Bengals Visit #2

The Cardinals really, really impressed me. In the case of the Eagles, I encountered and hit it off with a few kids from my area. The Saints were out of the running, as I did not feel comfortable with them (obviously I did not receive a bid as well). I could easily envision myself in any of the four remaining organizations on my list. The problem? I had not received bids to two terrific houses. However, I had received invites to come back for another event. Would that be good news?

The first of the two organizations that I visited for the second time was the Bengals. I was not sure if they’d recognize me, but, low and behold, within the first minute upon my arrival I received multiple high fives from a few of the guys I had hit it off with a few weeks earlier. We continued the trend of great conversation that we had the first time I visited. They went into further detail about their chapter here at AU and how they really embraced the “Auburn Family” concept. Shortly after, along with meeting some more rushees in between, I got introduced to some brand new members that I had not seen before. I then thought, “these must be the guys they were talking about last time that they wanted me to meet.” The group of guys I had gotten to know real well then left me alone with the three members I had never met. After introducing ourselves and shaking hands, they said they had heard really great things about me, and asked me to tell them some information about my background-why I wanted to join an organization such as theirs, and what I could offer. After answering these questions, they smiled and told me they’d like to welcome me aboard. Nearly speechless, I thanked them. For the third time, I asked an organization if it was alright to hold a bid-I told them I would make my decision relatively shortly. They did not have a problem with this what so ever. I thanked them, and went on my way.

Falcons Visit #2

I later attended an event sponsored by the Falcons. Once again, I was not sure if they would recognize me, but once again, my somewhat worrisome thoughts were put to rest. I cannot tell you how happy I was to see the group of guys I had a blast with just a few weeks prior. Much like the Bengals did, they went more in depth about their organization, not just at AU, but nation wide. Their “motto” really hit home with me and I really loved it. They then went more in depth with their philanthropy. I knew the basics from my own research and visiting them earlier, but they told me of all the programs they ran and how they organized fun events to raise money to spread awareness and promote their cause. My community service at home was along similar guidelines (although moderately different) and I thought to myself, “wow, would it be great to be a member here!” Some of the guys introduced me to a few members I had seen, but had not had the opportunity to meet the first time. They left me alone with them, and we became acquainted with each other. They had heard about me from the other brothers, but wanted to hear about me for themselves. I also asked more questions about their organization, and they were more than happy to answer them.

We connected so well! Then, about 20 minutes into the conversation, they all started to smile. They then excused themselves to attend to some other needs. I let them go, but my heart kind of sank. I thought to myself, “were they just playing along and nodding to everything I was saying? Did they just want to get the heck out of there and away from me by making up an excuse?"

I turned to some rushees close by and made some real good conversation. Turned out we would be living in the same off campus apartment complex. That was great! Meeting four people that were on the next floor. However, that still did not take away the confusion I just experienced. I thought to myself, “sure, I’d have no problem pledging the Bengals. Heck, I’d be honored too! But, the Falcons were clearly a cut above the Bengals, as great as they were themselves.” About two minutes later, I got a tap on the shoulder. It was one of the guys that I had met my first time and hit it off with. He asked me to come with him, as he wanted to show me something outside. When we arrived, there were the other members I had met the first visit as well as the others I had just met within the last hour. “What is going on?” I thought to myself.
(I'm paraphrasing here) “It’s been really great that you came back to visit. It was even greater to get to know you even better a second time. We’d be honored to extend to you a bid on behalf of the Falcons Fraternity of the Cam Newton Chapter here at AU.”

I was completely stunned. Literally caught off guard…just stunned. I told them how honored and humbled I was, and that I would accept. They all seemed really happy. Not that many other kids received bids that day, but one of them was a fellow rushee that I had run into for the 2nd time at a Falcons summer event. We live in the same apartment complex and we have become really good friends. I can never thank the members of the Falcons enough. From the moment I got to know them and learn about what they stood for, I knew this was the perfect place for me. We had a lot of similar interests and the same personality. The other organizations (Eagles, Cardinals and especially the Bengals) were all fantastic, but this was an opportunity I just could not pass up. I have no regrets, and I have met a few of my pledge brothers-I have no doubt we’ll be extremely good friends for not just the next four years, but for the foreseeable future. I cannot wait to meet the rest of my pledge class as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. War Eagle!

[AnotherKD]

Great storytelling. And congrats! Looking forward to hearing where you've joined!

[Ladybugmom]

Wareagle..you are a real gem! Thanks for sharing your story with us!

[wareagle93]

Thank you so much for the very supportive comments! I really did not anticipate receiving a bid, let alone four (especially from the Bengals, who almost never took kids from outside a certain area). Especially considering I was an oos from far away. My intention was to meet some great people, learn more about their philanthropy/brotherhood, and have them at least know who I was (since I'm an oos student) going into Fall Recruitment.

It was a great experience, and a fantastic summer.

[Leslie Anne]

I was hoping you'd share your story with us! Congratulations on all those bids but especially for the one from the Falcons. I can't wait to hear which fraternity it is.

It's been a real pleasure reading your comments here on GC. You've been so positive and encouraging in the recruitment threads. You seem like a great guy and your posts so far have all made me smile.

I hope you stick around!

[wareagle93]

Originally Posted by Leslie Anne

I was hoping you'd share your story with us! Congratulations on all those bids but especially for the one from the Falcons. I can't wait to hear which fraternity it is.

It's been a real pleasure reading your comments here on GC. You've been so positive and encouraging in the recruitment threads. You seem like a great guy and your posts so far have all made me smile.

I hope you stick around!

Thank you so much for the kind words! I will definitely stick around, but not as often when classes start. Once fall recruitment is over, feel free to pm me if you would like to know which fraternity I pledged (this is to for everyone).

[DGTess]

Wareagle93 - thank you. I had never read a fraternity rush story, and I appreciate yours.

Just one bit of advice from an old fogey, though. You all are no longer "kids". You are young men who have a lot to offer as well as a lot to learn.

I wish you all the best in both your college and your fraternity careers.

[AZTheta]

what a hoot, wareagle93! I loved your story and I hope to hell you stick around GC for the next four years and even beyond that.

[phimusam]

I would suggest that you not reveal until you are an acitve.