A Very Barista Retro Recruitment

[IFoundNemo]

After the teaser of actual warmth that was lunch, we were sent back out into the cold for the rest of our first day’s houses

Cinnamon Dolce Latte: I went on my house tour first at this chapter, and their house was gorgeous! I loved the dark hardwood floors and the way the house was laid out, it felt dressy yet very homey. The first person I talked to discussed the brutal weather with us, and how she wanted to offer all of us a hairdryer because we looked so icky! I was hoping she wasn’t referring to me…The second girl I talked to commented on the ring I was wearing and my nails, and if I were in the house I’d be the girl everyone came to for formal pedicures. I got bumped to a third girl RIGHT before we had to leave, but fell in love with this house. The girls seemed so genuine and classy.

Hot Apple Cider: Coming into recruitment, I hadn’t heard many positive things about this chapter, and waiting outside, I didn’t hear anything new. However, I was definitely going to give this chapter a chance and see what happened. We weren’t given a house tour, which I found strange, and I was triple rushed (although not for lack of active members, many stood around waiting to bump other actives), which was awkward to me. There were many awkward pauses with me and the three girls we spoke to…who all seemed to be the same. I definitely did not like this house.

Cafe Americano: By this point, the sun had started setting and the cold was definitely taking its toll. I got inside this chapter and immediately started the house tour. Their house was decorated with so much memorabilia from their philanthropy, which was known campus wide, and showed their dedication! These girls loved their philanthropy, which I really liked. We talked to the girls inside individual rooms, which made it seem more personal. I talked to two juniors and seniors from the chapter, who really were able to reflect on what made them pick Café Americano, and that was something I liked hearing. This house was going to be in the top 10 on my list

Café au Lait: Waiting outside my second to last house was PURE TORTURE because of how cold it was, at this point. I’ve never wanted to take a hot bath more in my life, haha. We went on our house tour first in this house as well, and the house was tastefully decorated and cute, but the setup was a little strange. I had known a girl from this chapter in high school, but I didn’t see her or interact with her at all. I sat on the floor with an active, and although they were nice, I didn’t really have anything in common with them. Oddly enough, all of the girls I spoke to were from the same area and high school. I wasn’t sure I wanted to live with a bunch of girls who were living out a perpetual high school reunion, but they were likely going to make my cut.

Skinny Latte: This house had a tent outside while we were waiting, which all of us crammed into and were so happy about. Upon entering, we learned the name of the active who was going to give us the house tour, however, they sat us in a room while the actives made a circle around us. The president welcomed us to Skinny Latte and gave us some basics and the girls jumped around and cheered like crazy, which was definitely really intimidating. Their house was also really nice and had a beachy feel, which I loved. The first active I talked to was their intramural chair, and I’m heavy into sports so we had a ton in common. She discussed their philanthropy, which I’d actually participated in the previous year, and I definitely wanted to get involved with it. The second active I talked to was completely different, a total girly-girl, and yet we still had things in common. I was really happy with how well rounded this house was and how diverse the girls are, and knew they would be high at the conclusion of day 1

After day 1 of recruitment, my rankings were:

Mint Mocha Chip Frappucino
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Skinny Latte
Café Americano
Café au Lait
Orange Mango Banana Vivanno
Apple Spice
Hot Chocolate
Peppermint Mocha Twist
Hot Apple Cider

And yes, we visited 10 chapters in one day! So exhausting, but I was ready for day 2 (and hoping it wouldn't snow again)

[CougarGrad]

If I get anything besides plain old iced coffee or iced Chai tea, it's a Cinnamon Dolce Latte!

[Strawberrygloss]

aw this is such a great story! Continue

[IFoundNemo]

Sorry it took so long, I’ve been working like crazy and been busy! But I do really want to finish, especially because my story has a different type of happy ending :] Time for the start of day 2!

Chai Latte: Going into recruitment, this was the house I thought I was destined to be a part of. I was so excited to meet the girls and to take the tour, and was even more happy it was my first house of the day so that I wouldn’t look like I’d spent 10 hours out in the freezing cold. Their physical house was smaller than most but had a prime location, and loved the way it looked inside and out. The girls I talked to were super sweet and so classy, and I loved the way they all wore heels and pearls with their standard recruitment wear. I really hoped I got invited back to Chai Latte

Iced Coffee: This house was known for having a stellar reputation and a gorgeous house. After walking in and taking their house tour, I sat down in their solarium with a really sweet girl who had taken a few of the same classes as me and we discussed some of the professors and crazy hard exams! The next girl sat down and talked about my summer job with me and our favorite authors, which was a total change from some chapters. I don’t remember much about the third girl, but I was excited about this house. After leaving though, a lot of girls said that this chapter was fake to girls so that they would put them in their top 12, so I was unsure if the girls were really being genuine.

Marble Mocha Macchiato: I knew a girl from my lab in this chapter, so I was hoping to see her. Lo and behold, when I walked in the door, she grabbed my arm and gave me a huge hug! It definitely boosted my confidence going into the house tour. Their house reminded me of houses in Boston, very classically decorated, but gorgeous. One of the actives I was paired with was my friend’s older sister, so that was awesome. I remember the actives switched out really quickly, which made it hard to sustain any solid conversation, but other PNMs said the exact same thing so I wasn’t worried. I liked this chapter, but knew I wasn’t likely to be invited back.

Iced Caramel Macchiato: I didn’t know much about this chapter other than they had a reputation for being blondes, but after going on the tour, I didn’t get that impression from the chapter. I talked to one active and we randomly talked about celebrity encounters, including mine with athletes and hers with a famous area QB, as well as another active who randomly had Shia LeBouf’s number in her cell phone. The next active I talked to we discussed Jon and Kate Plus 8, and I really got along well with the sisters. I knew this chapter was going to be high on my list, but did not necessarily think I would be invited back.

Pumpkin Spice Latte: This chapter provided enough stories to last for the rest of my recruitment. After walking in the door, we were taken to their living room, where actives surrounded us yelling and jumping on the couches. One of the actives put her foot through the sofa and sisters had to sort of pull her out. After this, we were joined with our respective actives for conversations. The first girl I talked to, we discussed shoes and purses, and she asked me, completely out of the blue, how I store my shoes, because she apparently throws them in a tub and breaks heels and can’t find the matching shoes. I was a little startled but answered with a shoe rack. The next active I talked to asked me my major and what I wanted to do for my life, and she replied with ‘I hate to say this…but I’m too stupid to do that.’

After Pumpkin Spice, it was time for lunch!

[ShadeTree]

.....where actives surrounded us yelling and jumping on the couches.....

Wow - you mean like Tom Cruise did on Oprah?

[MaggieXi]

This could be a complete thread derail - but I am confused about the houses in a lot of these stories. On my campus - all the houses were designed exactly the same way. Same number of rooms, a few changes in the lay-outs (some with double staircases, some with single), and the chapters got to decorate the houses. I've been on other campuses where the sororities have houses and while they are structurally a little different (some designed in the 70s and some newer) but they don't vary that much.

I've noticed in many of these stories that alot of emphasis is put on what the house looks like, the age of the house, how its laid out, etc. and it seems like "house tours" are more about the PNM approving of the house and less of a recruitment party.

What I think I'm trying to ask (no coffee yet today!) is: is the way a house is laid out or decorated a deal breaker for PNMs?

And actives jumping on couches?

[drgnlady]

Originally Posted by MaggieXi

What I think I'm trying to ask (no coffee yet today!) is: is the way a house is laid out or decorated a deal breaker for PNMs?

On some campuses, the houses vary widely in size, layout, decor, sleeping arrangements and location. This is definitely a huge factor for PNMs and why house tours are conducted. I remember during my rush only wanting a house on the traditional "sorority row" even though half the chapters on campus were located somewhere else. Stupid now, but it was important to me at the time!

[tld221]

i used to be a HUGE caramen macchiato drinker, but has gotten too sweet for my liking. I was rooting for Cafe Americano before i started reading, followed by Passion iced tea (i make it at home for myself!)

and there are still more houses, yes?

[tangelo212]

I agree with drgnlady-- I think it is a huge factor, especially if members are required to live-in at some point. I think the decor can really set the mood, and if you don't feel comfortable or "at home" then it can be a deal breaker.

I don't think the influence of a house's decor or layout or vibe can be underestimated, because while you live-in, it's your home in which you spend a considerable amount of time.

Originally Posted by drgnlady

On some campuses, the houses vary widely in size, layout, decor, sleeping arrangements and location.

Location is such a big factor--How close to campus is it? Is it convenient? Is it near other houses? Is there parking? A nice yard or lawn/outdoor spaces? My campus doesn't have an official sorority "row" or area so to speak, but there are definitely some houses that are clumped together, and others that seem very isolated.
Layout--Sleeping porches/dormers or rooms? Any singles? Mostly doubles? Triples? How are rooms and room mates selected?


In the end, it may matter immensely to some people and it may not matter at all to others. Stellar connections with sisters in a house may overcome a less desirable decor or layout.

[IFoundNemo]

Yes, there are MORE houses :]

But yeah, the physical house itself is a big deal at my university, they all look different, have a different layout, different room sizes and layouts, etc. All of them are physically massive. I'd have to say there were only 2 chapter that the house itself actually turned me off, and it's because both were stuck in the 70s (one had green shag carpet!)

Actives jumping on couches...ala Tom Cruise/Oprah..yes! The president was 'welcoming' us to that chapter, and everytime she said the name the actives would start screaming and jumping up and down on couches and the floor and tables, it was rather intimidating if you ask me. I mean one girl literally went THROUGH a sofa (embarassing for her).

[IFoundNemo]

Back from vacation

It was after lunch on Day 2, and I was getting exhausted and ready for these parties to be over.

Caramel Frappucino: Going into rush, if I wasn't going to be a Chai Latte, I was going to be a CF. This house was known for being super smart AND fun, and I felt like I could fit in there. Their song as they opened the doors was so catchy (I still sing it to this day!) and cute, and I loved the way you could see the staircase through the windows. Their house was gorgeous and all the girls I talked to seemed so classy, what I thought a sorority girl would be like. Although the way they had the chairs set up was a little strange, I was facing a wall (which the active sat up against)

Passion Iced Tea: Standing outside this house was torture, if only because of the girls gossipping about it: the chapter was small, a fraternity was buying its house, it was only for losers, etc. I tried not to pay attention, but it was hard, obviously. They let us into the house early, which was really strange compared to most houses, but we were all happy for the warmth. After they did their cheer, we were taken on a house tour and then down into the dining room to talk to actives...where I was triple rushed, by an alum no less! It was sad how small the chapter was, and a lot of girls purposely were untalkative at this chapter so they wouldn't get invited back. I left this house knowing I wouldn't rank it last, but it was nowhere near my favorite.

Java Chip Frapp: This house was known for being HUGE in terms of members, and it didn't disappoint. I loved their chant (still know this one too!), and their house was adorable. During their house tour though, we all got clogged up in a stairwell and I spent half the tour talking to an active which I didnt' exactly click with. It was definitely awkward. We talked in the girls' rooms like at Caffe Americano, which I liked. I joked around with the girl I was talking to about my lack of swimming abilities and other things, but didn't feel a click with this house. On the plus side, it had a catwalk/balcony on the second floor!

Toffee Mocha Chip Frapp: FINALLY, my last house! This house definitely looked very southern from the outside, but super cute. Their house was very modern on the inside, with gorgeous hardwood floors and just so grown up. The girl giving my house tour recognized my hometown as being that of another active (which I didn't even know!) and so we started talking about that active, and it went by quickly. We also talked in the girls' rooms, which were decorated in their colors and with so much TMCF gear. The next girl I talked to I really clicked with, we discussed musicals and other random stuff, and I felt like I had known her for ages. The last girl I talked to, we realized we'd played each other in a soccer game once, and the time went by so quickly! This house was going to be high

I realized how tough my final rankings were going to be, but after day 2, they were:
Mint Mocha Chip Frapp
Chai Latte
Iced Caramel Macchiato
Toffee Mocha Chip Frapp
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Caramel Frapp
Skinny Latte
Iced Coffee
Café Americano
Marble Mocha Macchiato
Café au Lait
Java Chip Frapp
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Orange Mango Banana Vivanno
Apple Spice
Hot Chocolate
Peppermint Mocha Twist
Passion Iced Tea
Hot Apple Cider


Oh PS--at the end of the story, I'll reveal where I ended up (and my real GC username), and if anyone wants to know the code, you can PM me. I don't feel I've revealed anything anyone who's guessed what school I'm from didn't already know

[twinkle555]

This has got to be the longest story ever lol...I wanna know where you pledged already!

[IFoundNemo]

Alright guys, two parts left of my story...I wasn't trying to make it super long, just didn't want to do 19 chapters in one day, quite frankly haha. Also a week long vacation didn't help much, combined with a couple 40 hour work weeks. Sorry!

We have deferred recruitment, so I was forced to wait to find out what houses I got back for second invite. I felt like I was outgoing and sociable, and as cute as one can be when it's 25 degrees and snowing out. We came back early from winter break, met with our rho gams the night before (ours bought us a cookie cake!), and tried to sleep before we got our lists for second invite.

The next morning arrived quicker than ever, and I got ready, donned my uggs, grabbed my heels, and left. We met our rho gam and I got my list....with only 2 chapters on it. I was about ready to start crying at that point, but one of the two chapters left was a favorite of mine, so I was still in the running. I hadn't felt anything when I was at the second chapter, but I wanted to go to their party and give them a chance. Rounds started early and my first party wasn't until 1, so I went back to my room to catch some more sleep

Toffee Mocha Chip Frapp: We got to wait inside at this house, and while inside, all the girls were talking about how this house accidentally invited back too many girls, and I was definitely scared. Was I not supposed to get invited back? I got in line with everyone else and walked in, and we were introduced to our active sister and seated for the skit. While waiting for the skit to start, the PNM who was being double rushed with me said that she had a full slate of parties and wasn't interested in Toffee Mocha Chip, so she would let me talk as much as I wanted and make me look good. I was definitely happy about that after hearing about some other girls' double rush stories. This chapter had an adorable Wizard of Oz themed skit, and I loved it! I definitely was feeling positive about this chapter, the girls seemed very genuine. We were taken upstairs to talk to the sisters, and I didn't really click all that much with the first girl I talked to. She seemed rather apathetic and wasn't very enthusiastic about making conversation, despite my and the other PNMs attempts. Also, she took part in the skit as Glinda...so she was wearign a poofy prom dress, haha. The other two girls I talked to were much more talkative and I felt that same click with this chapter that I felt during the first round of parties. I was hopefully they'd invite me back

My next party wasn't until 10:30 that night, so back to my room to hang out until then

Passion Iced Tea: The gossip outside of this chapter was brutal again, as girls were tired from having parties all day, and most of them did not want to be at Passion. I was excited to be there though, as I knew that they wanted me back, so I figured I'd give it a shot. We were triple rushed here again, but this time it was by an active sister rather than an alum. Their skit was Passion through the decades, and it was cute, but nowhere near the level of Toffee Mocha Chip. It seemed like they didn't put as much effort into it, either decorating or coming up with the script and ideas. The other two girls that were rushed with me were flat out rude because they did not want to be there. I tried to keep an open mind and was very friendly towards the active, talkative, interested, etc. but did not feel like this was mean to to be my home.

I went to bed that night hoping that I still had Toffee Mocha Chip on my list the next morning

[IFoundNemo]

Haha sorry, our first round of parties is over 2 days (trust me, it took FOREVER but there's no way with 19 chapters to do it in one day) so I tried to space it out the best I could. Plus I just got back from vacation so I'll be posting again tomorrow

[lovespink88]

I have a feeling I know who you are...but I'm not sure.