Written by Lauryn Darby
Panhellenic Recruitment is an experience that we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to partake in and deciding to register was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Through recruitment, I learned a lot about myself and what I was looking for in a sisterhood, but through it I had to make some challenging decisions. Going through the process you may find yourself “in a pickle,” much like I did. If this happens to be the case, trust me, every decision you make will lead to something that is so worth it!
The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to trust that you will end up where you’re meant to be. When I went through recruitment, one of my Pi Chi’s told me to “trust the system.” This piece of advice has always stuck out to me because even though the process was overwhelming at times, everything happens for a reason, and each tough decision, ultimately, led me home.
When it comes to making decisions at the end of each round, it is important to keep your values in mind. Since this is a values-based recruitment, use this to your benefit. Keep your values in mind when you are going through each house and each conversation, then ask yourself who seemed to value the same things as you? This might help you feel more confident in the choices that you make.
Since there is a lot to keep track of during recruitment, it can also help to make lists. I personally made a running list on my phone of my initial feelings during each party and a brief description of the conversations I had in each house. It was very helpful to have something like this to look back at when it came time to make those tough decisions; it helped me remember where I felt the most comfortable and most myself.
In the end, trust your instincts. If you find yourself in a difficult position, one of the most effective things you can do is trust your gut. You know yourself better than anyone. Recruitment is meant to be a positive experience, so don’t let being in a difficult position or having to make a difficult choice get you down! The end result will be so worth it—trust me.
Kylee Neeranjan, the Panhellenic Membership Vice President, encourages you to “let your personal values and feelings guide you during this search for a place to call home… I hope that you will keep your heart and mind open, ask your Pi Chis for help when you need it, and stay hydrated!”