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!