An International Recruitment Story

[Willow]

Hey! I am a recent grad and excited to share my recruitment story! If it works out, I plan on sharing the name of my house, and maybe one other if you are dying to know at the end of the story. I do want to keep the name of my school a secret, though, so if you figure it out please keep that to yourself!

My school had 7 houses, which I will name after the 7 continents (so my story isn't really international... hey, I was an international relations major):
*Africa
*Antarctica
*Asia
*Australia
*Europe
*North America
*South America

First, some background info:
My freshman year of college I was very shy and it was difficult for me to make friends. I was interested in rushing but I made the decision not to. I regretted it my whole freshman year as I made very few friends and saw how much fun all of the Greeks were having. I was interested in joining a sorority through COB but I was too shy to attend the interest meeting... lame, I know. However, I did notify the Office of Greek Life (through e-mail) that I was interested and soon received an invitation to a "casual" COB event at North America.

Getting ready for the event, I was so nervous. I almost didn't go, but my boyfriend convinced me that even if things didn't work out, it would be a good experience. I stepped through the door of the North American house wearing jeans and a sweatshirt and was immediately embarassed... every girl here was gorgeous and dressed in a cute party dress. I was very surprised at how beautiful they ALL were. I had some nice (not great, just nice) conversations with the girls and they seemed to have a great sisterhood, but I really felt like I didn't belong. I hate to say it, but I really did think that as a group they were a little superficial. I felt out of place and inferior with my ponytail and empty social life. I wondered if all of the sororities were like this... made up of gorgeous girls with busy social calendars. I hoped that they would invite me back, but at the same time I was curious about the other houses.

They never called. I cried but then started counting down the days 'til recruitment. I knew that North America wasn't the place for me, but there were 6 other houses where I could find a home. Would I be a European? Or an Asian? Maybe an African? I had all summer to wonder....