First thing's first:
I withdrew from sorority recruitment on the last day before Bid Day. Long story short, I did not get the house that I thought was worth the price. I went through the recruitment process just for the sake of it, and if I would've gotten invited back on Pref Day to my house of choice, then it was a decision (and Pref Card) I was ready to sign on the dotted line. But, it wasn't. And I didn't want to join a sorority just for the sake of being in one. I went in with an open mind, met some great people, and had a fun experience.
Next:
I had my first trig test today... crash. and. burn. 'enough said. Nooo, no no no.. ok let's address this. I pushed it off. Guilty as charged. I went to the tutoring center literally one hour before my test to get a few loose ends tied up.. turned out that it was quite more than a few. First 6 problems, no problem. Subsequent 20, hah... yea ok, I'm done talking about this test.. all I can say is next time I need to be better prepared and balance my time to make sure ALL my homework gets done rather than being forced to prioritize your last remaining 10 hours or something.
Moving on:
Not much else going on. I'm still debating on if I want to get involved this semester, but I'm hesitant especially after bombing this math test. Maybe not this semester, but next. It's going to happen... it's just a matter of when (need it for med school apps!)
Finally:
I hope you are all doing well where ever you may be! Always feel free to leave comments and/or ask questions. If there's one thing that doesn't happen enough in the world is honest discussion.
With all that, I'm off to bed. It's 2:30am and I have to work tomorrow... also have a chem exam Friday to get ready for... and two papers to write... craaaaaap. See that's how it starts, I think of one thing I need to do then my brain nags at the rest which ultimately becomes a ridiculous laundry list full of un-fun work.
Oh well.
#collegekidprobs ^.^
Showing posts with label recruitment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recruitment. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
Rush/Recruitment, Round Two (Day Three)
So today we learned which houses wanted us back for more conversation. Although we started with 8 or 9 chapters, I was only invited back to 3. At first, it was kind of a bummer because I didn't feel like I clicked with two of the three that were listed on my schedule-of-the-day.
BUT! Now I understand why our Pi Chi's kept reiterating the fact that we need to keep our minds open, because although we (most of the time) didn't get picked by the houses we had hoped for doesn't mean that our home isn't with another house.
On Spirit Day (yesterday) one of the houses I talked with I didn't have a good conversation.. the girl was like on a different planet, not really paying attention and being really vague and just not an open and/or welcoming personality.. So instances like this explain why you speak with more than one member during each conversation session.
I ended up talking with a sorority member today who I spoke with in Round One (Spirit Day), so that was kind of cool. I know it sounds weird but seriously after talking to probably 30+ girls it was nice to see a familiar and friendly face.
I keep reminding myself to keep an open mind, stay positive, and be myself. The first two are a little harder than it may seem especially if you don't get picked by your "ideal" houses (i.e. the one's you had your hopes set on). Yes, it's a bummer.. but, again in the words of the almighty wise Pi Chi's, "Trust the process! Be honest and truthful, and you'll find your home. Because who knows, maybe that house you had your sights on wasn't what you thought it was after all..."
After thinking about it, I wouldn't want to form a life-long bond with a house that I thought seems great, but they may not see me in the same way. Or rather, they're inner ideals aren't compatible with what they saw in me. With the mutual selection process, you have to remember that as a group each of these houses are talking with each other at the end of the day about who can carry on their organization's mantra, legacy, ideals, etc. and who they will feel comfortable opening their hearts and home to you (practically as a stranger!).
On a similar note, I see where stereotypes come from.. I mean really, there wouldn't be a stereotype if there wasn't some truth to it. The houses that I saw myself in before this whole process started were based on what I could find on the web... because really I didn't know anyone from any of those houses (except for one, and she was super nice which is kind of what lead me to like her house before this process began) to base my decision on. So talking with these women over and over throughout the span of a week gives you a more realistic idea of who they are, how they feel about their chapter, and what they have to offer you (as well as what you have to offer them).
I trust the process. I feel at-home at one house in-particular already... so let's hope that I can concentrate on school during the week and wait patiently for Friday's next event, Sisterhood Day (round three). Then Saturday is Preference Day (round four), followed by the much anticipated Bid Day (the day you learn which chapter has extended you an invitation) on Sunday!
Ahhhhhhhh!!!! So antsy. Who knew I'd get this involved? I just wanted to see what it was like and how far I'd get, and what chapters would be interested in me... but really, why go through all of this only to say, "ok that was fun, bye girls!" ??
Why I decided to go through: It took me two years after high school to get into college because I thought that it was unnecessary in terms of finding a good job. When I decided to go I attended a community college and commuted. After getting my AA I transferred to a university for the 4-year degree (by the way, the year count is inaccurate. I was at a 2-yr community college for three years, and my boyfriend/fiance was at the university for five years. No doubt you can get it done in four/two, but you have to take a full courseload each semester, excel, and leave zero room for error). Anyway, yeah.. I feel like I never had that genuine college experience because I never lived in a dorm, didn't start at a university from freshman year, and started late. Joining a sorority, to me, will give me that wholesome experience I'm craving. I only have three years left, and I want them to be memorable, insanely fun, and have a lifelong bond with those that experienced it with me.
BUT! Now I understand why our Pi Chi's kept reiterating the fact that we need to keep our minds open, because although we (most of the time) didn't get picked by the houses we had hoped for doesn't mean that our home isn't with another house.
On Spirit Day (yesterday) one of the houses I talked with I didn't have a good conversation.. the girl was like on a different planet, not really paying attention and being really vague and just not an open and/or welcoming personality.. So instances like this explain why you speak with more than one member during each conversation session.
I ended up talking with a sorority member today who I spoke with in Round One (Spirit Day), so that was kind of cool. I know it sounds weird but seriously after talking to probably 30+ girls it was nice to see a familiar and friendly face.
I keep reminding myself to keep an open mind, stay positive, and be myself. The first two are a little harder than it may seem especially if you don't get picked by your "ideal" houses (i.e. the one's you had your hopes set on). Yes, it's a bummer.. but, again in the words of the almighty wise Pi Chi's, "Trust the process! Be honest and truthful, and you'll find your home. Because who knows, maybe that house you had your sights on wasn't what you thought it was after all..."
After thinking about it, I wouldn't want to form a life-long bond with a house that I thought seems great, but they may not see me in the same way. Or rather, they're inner ideals aren't compatible with what they saw in me. With the mutual selection process, you have to remember that as a group each of these houses are talking with each other at the end of the day about who can carry on their organization's mantra, legacy, ideals, etc. and who they will feel comfortable opening their hearts and home to you (practically as a stranger!).
On a similar note, I see where stereotypes come from.. I mean really, there wouldn't be a stereotype if there wasn't some truth to it. The houses that I saw myself in before this whole process started were based on what I could find on the web... because really I didn't know anyone from any of those houses (except for one, and she was super nice which is kind of what lead me to like her house before this process began) to base my decision on. So talking with these women over and over throughout the span of a week gives you a more realistic idea of who they are, how they feel about their chapter, and what they have to offer you (as well as what you have to offer them).
I trust the process. I feel at-home at one house in-particular already... so let's hope that I can concentrate on school during the week and wait patiently for Friday's next event, Sisterhood Day (round three). Then Saturday is Preference Day (round four), followed by the much anticipated Bid Day (the day you learn which chapter has extended you an invitation) on Sunday!
Ahhhhhhhh!!!! So antsy. Who knew I'd get this involved? I just wanted to see what it was like and how far I'd get, and what chapters would be interested in me... but really, why go through all of this only to say, "ok that was fun, bye girls!" ??
Why I decided to go through: It took me two years after high school to get into college because I thought that it was unnecessary in terms of finding a good job. When I decided to go I attended a community college and commuted. After getting my AA I transferred to a university for the 4-year degree (by the way, the year count is inaccurate. I was at a 2-yr community college for three years, and my boyfriend/fiance was at the university for five years. No doubt you can get it done in four/two, but you have to take a full courseload each semester, excel, and leave zero room for error). Anyway, yeah.. I feel like I never had that genuine college experience because I never lived in a dorm, didn't start at a university from freshman year, and started late. Joining a sorority, to me, will give me that wholesome experience I'm craving. I only have three years left, and I want them to be memorable, insanely fun, and have a lifelong bond with those that experienced it with me.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Back to School + Rush/Recruitment Week
Sorry for the delay!
Well I'm sure you all know that the semester has already begun! Let me tell you about my first week in...
-Under trusted advice, I scheduled my classes all for two days out of the week. This way I won't have to be commuting everyday, and only going two days per week really frees up a day or two for doing homework in my PJs. So far, this schedule is working out really well. However one small additional necessity is, in fact, three cups of coffee (my average, at least) to maintain enough brain power and attention span to last throughout the day. I scheduled four classes each day, from 9:30am-7:45pm with a couple breaks in between for sanity purposes.
-I'm already swamped with homework and assignments and preparation to complete. Eek! I'm aiming high for straight A's this semester so I'm prepared to FaceBook=put my face in the book (haha my old algebra professor was European and had this sweet accent and would be like, "ohh yea make sure you go home and facebook.. you know, put your face in your book. and twitter.. twit you little pencil.. hah yea right."
-Panhellenic recruitment (better known as Rush) started on Friday with a mandatory orientation. It basically consisted of the Pan Board introducing themselves and going over the recruitment process. Afterwards we were separated into smaller "Pi Chi" groups with our own two recruitment counselors (disaffiliated-for-recruitment-purposes sorority members). According to the Pan Board, there are 500-something girls rushing this Fall, and they put I think 30 girls per Pi Chi group.
-Today was the second day of recruitment (really the first if you don't count orientation) which consisted of lots.. and lots... and LOTS of talking... to lots.. and lots.. and LOTS of sorority members from all nine chapters. I'm not gonna lie, by the time lunch was over and we had three or four more chapters to visit, I was wiped o-u-t.
Here's how it went: in our student center, part of it is a conference center.. so each chapter was in a different large room within the conference center, and two Pi Chi groups would visit each room for 20 something minutes. As they open the doors, you are greeted with 50+ sorority girls clapping and singing their own welcome songs as you enter the room. As our Pi Chi group was filing inwards, they're members were filing towards the door so each member (basically) greeted each PNM (potential new member), took them to some part of the room, took your tea card (aka: a piece of paper with your name on it) and start a conversation. About 5-8 minutes in, they would stop, sing a song, introduce their president and recruitment chairperson, then let you get back to more talking. About 8-10 minutes into your conversation, another sorority member would approach your conversation, and the girl you were speaking with introduces you to her, tells them what you were talking about, and hand you off to talk to another member.
Honestly I thought it was a pretty cool system. My first impression of this day was that we go into a room randomly and have to spark up conversations with random sorority girls. SO glad it wasn't like that! It was very structured and well organized. Now if you've been nerding it up researching other people's experiences with rushing, let me tell you that they are right when they say, "you just have to feel out each chapter," ... some have better vibes than others. Some girls you'll instantly click with, and others you'll have that awkward moment where one doesn't know what to say next. You may not like one girl's demeanor, while another makes you laugh like crazy.
After we visited all the chapters it was time to rank our favorites. We had to include all houses (as we couldn't just eliminate ones we were not clicking with). The first (6) were #1, plus (1) #2, and (1) #3. If I understand this correctly, tomorrow morning when we come in for the next event we will have "responses" from each house.. meaning, if I chose A, B, C, D, E, and F as my #1s, then G as #2, and H as #3, let's say only A, C, E, F, and G asked me back for more conversation. They call this "mutual selection".. so, for that day, I will only visit A, C, E, F, and G. By the end of the day, I rank these chapters again, and the process repeats itself.
On that note, got lots of homework to get done! Gotta be up early and in Greek Village by 9am. Keep checking back! =)
Well I'm sure you all know that the semester has already begun! Let me tell you about my first week in...
-Under trusted advice, I scheduled my classes all for two days out of the week. This way I won't have to be commuting everyday, and only going two days per week really frees up a day or two for doing homework in my PJs. So far, this schedule is working out really well. However one small additional necessity is, in fact, three cups of coffee (my average, at least) to maintain enough brain power and attention span to last throughout the day. I scheduled four classes each day, from 9:30am-7:45pm with a couple breaks in between for sanity purposes.
-I'm already swamped with homework and assignments and preparation to complete. Eek! I'm aiming high for straight A's this semester so I'm prepared to FaceBook=put my face in the book (haha my old algebra professor was European and had this sweet accent and would be like, "ohh yea make sure you go home and facebook.. you know, put your face in your book. and twitter.. twit you little pencil.. hah yea right."
-Panhellenic recruitment (better known as Rush) started on Friday with a mandatory orientation. It basically consisted of the Pan Board introducing themselves and going over the recruitment process. Afterwards we were separated into smaller "Pi Chi" groups with our own two recruitment counselors (disaffiliated-for-recruitment-purposes sorority members). According to the Pan Board, there are 500-something girls rushing this Fall, and they put I think 30 girls per Pi Chi group.
-Today was the second day of recruitment (really the first if you don't count orientation) which consisted of lots.. and lots... and LOTS of talking... to lots.. and lots.. and LOTS of sorority members from all nine chapters. I'm not gonna lie, by the time lunch was over and we had three or four more chapters to visit, I was wiped o-u-t.
Here's how it went: in our student center, part of it is a conference center.. so each chapter was in a different large room within the conference center, and two Pi Chi groups would visit each room for 20 something minutes. As they open the doors, you are greeted with 50+ sorority girls clapping and singing their own welcome songs as you enter the room. As our Pi Chi group was filing inwards, they're members were filing towards the door so each member (basically) greeted each PNM (potential new member), took them to some part of the room, took your tea card (aka: a piece of paper with your name on it) and start a conversation. About 5-8 minutes in, they would stop, sing a song, introduce their president and recruitment chairperson, then let you get back to more talking. About 8-10 minutes into your conversation, another sorority member would approach your conversation, and the girl you were speaking with introduces you to her, tells them what you were talking about, and hand you off to talk to another member.
Honestly I thought it was a pretty cool system. My first impression of this day was that we go into a room randomly and have to spark up conversations with random sorority girls. SO glad it wasn't like that! It was very structured and well organized. Now if you've been nerding it up researching other people's experiences with rushing, let me tell you that they are right when they say, "you just have to feel out each chapter," ... some have better vibes than others. Some girls you'll instantly click with, and others you'll have that awkward moment where one doesn't know what to say next. You may not like one girl's demeanor, while another makes you laugh like crazy.
After we visited all the chapters it was time to rank our favorites. We had to include all houses (as we couldn't just eliminate ones we were not clicking with). The first (6) were #1, plus (1) #2, and (1) #3. If I understand this correctly, tomorrow morning when we come in for the next event we will have "responses" from each house.. meaning, if I chose A, B, C, D, E, and F as my #1s, then G as #2, and H as #3, let's say only A, C, E, F, and G asked me back for more conversation. They call this "mutual selection".. so, for that day, I will only visit A, C, E, F, and G. By the end of the day, I rank these chapters again, and the process repeats itself.
On that note, got lots of homework to get done! Gotta be up early and in Greek Village by 9am. Keep checking back! =)
Monday, July 2, 2012
Greek Update
Thanks Gina for the comment :)
I did, in fact, finish my application and paid the fee... recruitment is official!
I'm excited to be surrounded with other ladies who have big plans in life and aim to be successful. If there has been anything that I've learned over the years it is to surround yourself with like-minded people. Those who are unmotivated with neither ambition nor plans will more-often-than-not bring you down in more ways than one. By going through recruitment I hope to find a sisterhood that keeps me aiming high even when I find myself tired and drained.
The organizations are, w/(nicknames):
AΔπ - Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi)
AOπ -Alpha Omicron Pi (Alpha O)
ΓΦB - Gamma Phi Beta (Gamma Phi)
XΩ - Chi Omega (Chi-O)
ΔΔΔ - Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta)
ΔΓ - Delta Gamma (Dee-Gee)
KΔ - Kappa Delta (Kay-Dee)
ΣΔT - Sigma Delta Tau (Sig Delt)
ZTA - Zeta Tau Alpha (Zeta)
[What to Wear: casual]
-Sunday, 9/2: Spirit Day @ 9am. Consists of (9) 25-minute events where potential new members (PNMs) will visit all Panhellenic chapters in a meet-n-greet.
[What to Wear: casual, simple tops with shorts or pants]
-Monday, 9/3: Philanthropy Day @ 9am. Consists of (6) events lasting 40-minutes each. PNMs will participate in an activity (usually making a craft) that will support each chapter's philanthropy.
[What to Wear: casual clothes, nothing expensive due to paint and/or glue in crafts]
-Friday, 9/7: Sisterhood Day @ 1pm. Consists of (4) events lasting 50-minutes each. Sororities will show PNMs a video displaying their chapter's sisterhood, philanthropy, activities, and other highlights.
[What to Wear: slightly formal, wearing outfits you would wear to a nice dinner or church]
-Saturday, 9/8: Preference Day @ 9am. Consists of (2) events lasting an hour each. Sororities welcome PNMs for a deeper look into their sisterhood, traditions, and/or rituals.
[What to Wear: formal dresses, such as cocktail or semi-formal events]
-Sunday 9/9: Bid Day @ noon. The day PNMs fins out which sorority has extended them an invitation to join their sisterhood!
[What to Wear: the recruitment t-shirt provided, and comfortable shoes and bottoms]
There is other useful information in the booklet they provided, such as "What to Talk About" during each day of recruitment.
Suggestions like: Why did you join a sorority, and what is your favorite part? What are some requirements for your chapter? What is your best memory with your sorority? What other types of events do you participate in, and which are your favorites? Ask about social, time, and financial commitments... Open up towards the end to those you felt a stronger connection to...
I did, in fact, finish my application and paid the fee... recruitment is official!
I'm excited to be surrounded with other ladies who have big plans in life and aim to be successful. If there has been anything that I've learned over the years it is to surround yourself with like-minded people. Those who are unmotivated with neither ambition nor plans will more-often-than-not bring you down in more ways than one. By going through recruitment I hope to find a sisterhood that keeps me aiming high even when I find myself tired and drained.
The organizations are, w/(nicknames):
AΔπ - Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi)
AOπ -Alpha Omicron Pi (Alpha O)
ΓΦB - Gamma Phi Beta (Gamma Phi)
XΩ - Chi Omega (Chi-O)
ΔΔΔ - Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta)
ΔΓ - Delta Gamma (Dee-Gee)
KΔ - Kappa Delta (Kay-Dee)
ΣΔT - Sigma Delta Tau (Sig Delt)
ZTA - Zeta Tau Alpha (Zeta)
They gave me a book explaining recruitment, so here are the events that are scheduled (some is transcribed verbatim, with credit to USF Panhellenic) :
-Friday, 8/31: Orientation Night @ 7pm. Mandatory orientation; meet Pi Chi's (recruitment counselors) and the Panhellenic Executive Board; answer all questions and distribute final schedules for the week of recruitment.[What to Wear: casual]
-Sunday, 9/2: Spirit Day @ 9am. Consists of (9) 25-minute events where potential new members (PNMs) will visit all Panhellenic chapters in a meet-n-greet.
[What to Wear: casual, simple tops with shorts or pants]
-Monday, 9/3: Philanthropy Day @ 9am. Consists of (6) events lasting 40-minutes each. PNMs will participate in an activity (usually making a craft) that will support each chapter's philanthropy.
[What to Wear: casual clothes, nothing expensive due to paint and/or glue in crafts]
-Friday, 9/7: Sisterhood Day @ 1pm. Consists of (4) events lasting 50-minutes each. Sororities will show PNMs a video displaying their chapter's sisterhood, philanthropy, activities, and other highlights.
[What to Wear: slightly formal, wearing outfits you would wear to a nice dinner or church]
-Saturday, 9/8: Preference Day @ 9am. Consists of (2) events lasting an hour each. Sororities welcome PNMs for a deeper look into their sisterhood, traditions, and/or rituals.
[What to Wear: formal dresses, such as cocktail or semi-formal events]
-Sunday 9/9: Bid Day @ noon. The day PNMs fins out which sorority has extended them an invitation to join their sisterhood!
[What to Wear: the recruitment t-shirt provided, and comfortable shoes and bottoms]
There is other useful information in the booklet they provided, such as "What to Talk About" during each day of recruitment.
Suggestions like: Why did you join a sorority, and what is your favorite part? What are some requirements for your chapter? What is your best memory with your sorority? What other types of events do you participate in, and which are your favorites? Ask about social, time, and financial commitments... Open up towards the end to those you felt a stronger connection to...
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Greek
I'm deciding whether or not to join Greek Life...
There was an info meeting last night, and it seemed alright. It was setup in a "science fair" style with each sorority having a table and decorated poster-board on display. You can definitely tell the different feel with each group, but for only spending a few minutes talking it may be too soon to tell. There are designated "counselors" who are basically girls that "give up their letters for recruitment so they can help new members find their letters," and there to help you with any questions and such.
They gave us a nifty Sorority Life Guide that lays out all the info about Greek Life, recruitment and the different chapters at the university. It is a helpful tool, for sure.
Honestly, I just felt OLD. All the girls seemed to be barely 20 and high-school-y.. no offense to those of you who are still getting through high school! For going on 24 and just now getting into the university lifestyle, it will just take a little getting used to.
I've filled out the application probably three times now, but every time I get to the end I'm not sure it's something I want to spend $65 on. Not to mention what happens if I get a bid... then I have to worry about $800-$1200 in dues PER semester, plus the time commitment. Buuuut then you have all those current members saying how they also work, do well in classes, and have a ton of fun with their sisters... so I don't know if I'm just being speculative.
Maybe I'll go through with it. You're only in college once, right? Besides, then I can tell you all about it in case you are thinking of doing the same. =)
There was an info meeting last night, and it seemed alright. It was setup in a "science fair" style with each sorority having a table and decorated poster-board on display. You can definitely tell the different feel with each group, but for only spending a few minutes talking it may be too soon to tell. There are designated "counselors" who are basically girls that "give up their letters for recruitment so they can help new members find their letters," and there to help you with any questions and such.
They gave us a nifty Sorority Life Guide that lays out all the info about Greek Life, recruitment and the different chapters at the university. It is a helpful tool, for sure.
Honestly, I just felt OLD. All the girls seemed to be barely 20 and high-school-y.. no offense to those of you who are still getting through high school! For going on 24 and just now getting into the university lifestyle, it will just take a little getting used to.
I've filled out the application probably three times now, but every time I get to the end I'm not sure it's something I want to spend $65 on. Not to mention what happens if I get a bid... then I have to worry about $800-$1200 in dues PER semester, plus the time commitment. Buuuut then you have all those current members saying how they also work, do well in classes, and have a ton of fun with their sisters... so I don't know if I'm just being speculative.
Maybe I'll go through with it. You're only in college once, right? Besides, then I can tell you all about it in case you are thinking of doing the same. =)
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