The search to find a little is on! In my sorority, we spend four weeks integrating the new members into the chapter and helping them get acquainted with policies, procedures, and day to day life. This time is also spent getting a different "buddy, which basically means over the weeks, I am paired with four different girls to get to them better. Throughout this time period, the all consuming and extremely daunting though of finding a little looms. I'm definitely not the type to claim a girl, or compete with other girls in my pledge class for attention. For a process that is supposed to happen naturally, it's really starting to concern me. If any of you are starting to have the same struggles I am, here are a few ideas to get to know the new pledge class, and hopefully find the newest addition to your family.
1. Go out for ice-cream or frozen yogurt
Everyone loves a sweet treat. It's fun and easy, and a good way to relax and get to know each other.
2. Take them grocery shopping
Strange, but true. Every college student needs groceries at some point, and it's like a little glimpse into day to day random activities the two of you would rely on each other for (especially if she doesn't have a car!).
3. Hit the gym
Take a class together. Try out a new exercise. Scope out the sweaty frat guys. ;)
4. Invite them to lunch
Most sorority houses serve meals for their members. The first few weeks can be scary for new members, so offer to walk with your buddy to lunch and show them where the plates, utensils, etc are.
5. Take them out
Probably the most fun one, invite your buddy over and get ready to go out together! The two of you can pick out outfits and than head out for a crazy night. This also takes the pressure off trying to force conversation, as you will be in a group of people and can just be yourselves.
Do you have any good ideas? Found a little?
xoxo
Showing posts with label Going Greek. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Going Greek. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Sorority Recruitment Outfits!
Oh. My. Goodness. I don't even know where to begin with why I've been so MIA. Between my last days of work, saying bye to friends, packing for school, and moving up I've been swamped. However, I am happy to report that my new apartment room is almost complete! I'll be sure to post pictures as soon as possible.
Anyways, with recruitment right around the corner, this post is long overdue. Without further delay, here is a guide to what to wear for each round of sorority recruitment.
Round One: Spirit Round
In most cases, this round serves a brief introduction to every chapter on campus. PNM's spend about 20 minutes maximum in the houses. During this round, you will interact with different chapter women in order to get a sense of what the chapter is about. Some houses even perform pop-up skits-- a short presentation where different members "pop-up" and tell you facts about the house.
What to Wear: Most school provide a standard T-shirt for all PNM's to wear. The round is meant to be casual, so khaki, jean, or printed shorts and sandals or other comfortable shoes is acceptable.
White shorts// printed shorts// jean shorts
Tip: DO NOT WEAR WEDGES OR HEELS. Not only will you be extremely uncomfortable by the end of the day, but you will also look the girl who can't follow rules and tries too hard.
Round Two: Philanthropy Round
In this round, you will spend about 30 minutes in each remaining house on your list, getting to know chapter women better and learning about the house's philanthropy. Most houses have crafts laid out for you to work on together. This round is meant for you to understand what each particular chapter stands for, and for both the chapter women and yourselves to gauge if you would be good fit to the house.
What to Wear: This round is also very casual. A simple sundress, skirt and top, or nice shorts is acceptable. Again, sandals or comfortable shoes is expected, and heels are not permitted.
Green printed dress// Mint Dress
Tip: Don't feel pressured to make the craft; it's completely optional. If you are really getting into the conversation at one house, don't feel the need to break it up for the craft. The house WILL NOT judge you for it.
Round Three: Video Round
During this round, each sorority will present a short video that highlights what their house is all about. As a PNM, it's very important to pay attention! Take note of the activities the girls participate in, and see if you can imagine yourself in the photos as well. You will spend about 40 minutes in each remaining house, so be sure to use the time wisely to grow your connections in the houses.
What to Wear: A light sundress or outfit that you would wear to a summer wedding are appropriate for this round. It is okay to wear heels or wedges, as long as they are comfortable.
Green and white flowers dress// Coral lace dress
Tip: Pack a pair of flip flops or sandals to wear in between parties to make walking a little more comfortable and easier to manage.
Round Four: Preferential Round
The last and final round of recruitment is the most important one. In this round you will spend 50 minutes in your final houses. You will be allowed to perform part of each chapter's rituals as well as spend time talking to a chapter woman. This is the final round, so make it count! If you are pref-ing at a house, they definitely want you. This round is about figuring out where your best fit is and what your heart wants. Remember, these will be your sisters for the next four years, so be sure to take it seriously.
What to Wear: Cocktail attire works well for this round. Flats and sandals are absolutely not permitted, as heels are expected during this round.
Tip: Practice walking in your heels before rush. During this round, chapter women tend to call you from outside, and you don't want to trip and fall! This is the most important round, so be prepared!
Have any questions or want to send me pictures of your rush dresses? Comment and follow!
xoxo
Anyways, with recruitment right around the corner, this post is long overdue. Without further delay, here is a guide to what to wear for each round of sorority recruitment.
Round One: Spirit Round
In most cases, this round serves a brief introduction to every chapter on campus. PNM's spend about 20 minutes maximum in the houses. During this round, you will interact with different chapter women in order to get a sense of what the chapter is about. Some houses even perform pop-up skits-- a short presentation where different members "pop-up" and tell you facts about the house.
What to Wear: Most school provide a standard T-shirt for all PNM's to wear. The round is meant to be casual, so khaki, jean, or printed shorts and sandals or other comfortable shoes is acceptable.
White shorts// printed shorts// jean shorts
Tip: DO NOT WEAR WEDGES OR HEELS. Not only will you be extremely uncomfortable by the end of the day, but you will also look the girl who can't follow rules and tries too hard.
Round Two: Philanthropy Round
In this round, you will spend about 30 minutes in each remaining house on your list, getting to know chapter women better and learning about the house's philanthropy. Most houses have crafts laid out for you to work on together. This round is meant for you to understand what each particular chapter stands for, and for both the chapter women and yourselves to gauge if you would be good fit to the house.
What to Wear: This round is also very casual. A simple sundress, skirt and top, or nice shorts is acceptable. Again, sandals or comfortable shoes is expected, and heels are not permitted.
Tip: Don't feel pressured to make the craft; it's completely optional. If you are really getting into the conversation at one house, don't feel the need to break it up for the craft. The house WILL NOT judge you for it.
Round Three: Video Round
During this round, each sorority will present a short video that highlights what their house is all about. As a PNM, it's very important to pay attention! Take note of the activities the girls participate in, and see if you can imagine yourself in the photos as well. You will spend about 40 minutes in each remaining house, so be sure to use the time wisely to grow your connections in the houses.
What to Wear: A light sundress or outfit that you would wear to a summer wedding are appropriate for this round. It is okay to wear heels or wedges, as long as they are comfortable.
Green and white flowers dress// Coral lace dress
Tip: Pack a pair of flip flops or sandals to wear in between parties to make walking a little more comfortable and easier to manage.
Round Four: Preferential Round
The last and final round of recruitment is the most important one. In this round you will spend 50 minutes in your final houses. You will be allowed to perform part of each chapter's rituals as well as spend time talking to a chapter woman. This is the final round, so make it count! If you are pref-ing at a house, they definitely want you. This round is about figuring out where your best fit is and what your heart wants. Remember, these will be your sisters for the next four years, so be sure to take it seriously.
What to Wear: Cocktail attire works well for this round. Flats and sandals are absolutely not permitted, as heels are expected during this round.
Tip: Practice walking in your heels before rush. During this round, chapter women tend to call you from outside, and you don't want to trip and fall! This is the most important round, so be prepared!
Have any questions or want to send me pictures of your rush dresses? Comment and follow!
xoxo
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Can't Wait for Bid Day!
As I was going through old pictures, I came across some pictures of my bid day! Can't believe it's been so long already!
Figured I might as well embrace the "TBT" trend and show you some oldies :)
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| When I found out my best friend joined the same sorority as me |
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| We got a little emotional |
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| And then we had our first "crowning" picture |
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| The theme was "Be American, Go Zeta" |
Sorry I've gotten so distracted! I promise my recruitment outfits post is coming soon!
xoxo
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Thinking of Going Greek? The Truth About Greek Life and Joining a Sorority
As every new school year begins, thousands of incoming college freshmen contemplate the ordeal that is sorority recruitment. While some girls come from families of sorority sisters and know exactly what they want out of Greek life, there are plenty of hopefuls who aren't quite sure if going through the whole process is for them. I can assure you that the rumors about "paying for your friends" and being stuck up and snobby are not true. Going Greek was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I want to shed some light on what being Greek actually means with all of you.
Myth #1: Going Greek means I have to pay for my friends
This is completely untrue. Yes, everyone has to pay dues to their house, but they most certainly do not have anything to do with making friends. Your dues go toward housing maintenance costs, food if your house serves it, certain fees for nationals, and various other little things. There is definitely no fee for "friendship making". Rather, you make your friends by going to different sisterhood activities, and participating in events. For new members, there is usually a retreat, (mine was too a river to go tubing) which is an awesome time to get to know the girls in your PC. After all, you are going to potentially be with these girls for the next four years, so you should try and get along.
Myth #2: All those girls do is dress up and go to parties
There is so much more to Greek life, or student life in general, than just going to socials. Socials are get-togethers that are planned by one sorority and one fraternity's social chairs. They are responsible for picking a theme, planning a night, and booking a location. Common themes are Risky Business, Hippies, Rescue Me, and so on. The themes are meant to be funny, and easy to throw together an outfit for. The most common misconception about socials is that they are just a giant wild college party. Admittedly, fraternities usually throw a pre game beforehand to get everyone in the mood, but the actual social is held at an approved location (a bar or club downtown). It is a registered event, which means underage drinking is strictly prohibited, and the social has been approved by nationals. Your executive members will normally be at the door checking people in and offering rides home to anyone who needs.
Myth #3: If I join a sorority, I won't have any time for school work
College is all about picking and choosing, and just as if you weren't in a sorority, there would be parties and other distractions. Sororities do not promote blowing off school work to go out, go to socials, formals, or any other event. They do not even condone missing a class to attend chapter. School always comes first. In fact, most chapters pride their members on their GPAs and encourage tutoring and study hours within the house. My chapter has a person whose sole job is to monitor GPAs and find tutoring for anyone who is slipping below the acceptable average. Additionally, at the end of the semester, we throw a catered party for the sisters with outstanding GPAs. While it may seem like an incentive program, it is really just a reminder that doing well is much more important than attending every.single.party.
Myth #4: Those girls are so self-absorbed and only care about their sorority
Greek students are actually some of the most involved students on campus. Typically, the GPA for Greeks is much higher than the rest of the campus. At my school, for example, Greeks hold all but one seat in Student Government, organize the Pep Rally and Homecoming events for the school every year, and hold most of the executive positions of the most esteemed Honor Societies on campus. One of my own sisters is even the Student Body President this year! Greeks are all about helping Greeks, and joining a sorority actually opens up so many doors to get involved. Older sisters post clubs and organizations that they are involved in to our Facebook group almost daily. Personally, I got way more involved on campus than I ever did previously. I even hold some of those higher positions now. I can honestly say that without my sisters, I wouldn't be nearly as involved as I am. Yes, we do care about our sorority, but we are by no means self-absorbed.
Myth #5: Girls in one sorority aren't allowed to be friends with girls in a different sorority
I can assure you, there are no rules that state that members are not allowed to be friends with members of other chapters. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Most campuses promote "Pan Love" or the idea that all the chapters of the Panhellenic Council should get along. While not everyone is going to be best best friends, a lot of girls have friends outside of their chapter. My big's best friends are all members of different sororities, and couldn't get along better. My roommate freshman year was in a rival sorority, and we are still close friends. Greek life, and college, is all about making friendships that will last a life time, no matter what group you are affiliated with.
Ultimately, Greek life and "Going Greek" is all about what you make it. I hope you all try it, instead of passing up the opportunity to make some of the greatest friends, and have the most rewarding college experience you possibly can.
xoxo
Myth #1: Going Greek means I have to pay for my friends
This is completely untrue. Yes, everyone has to pay dues to their house, but they most certainly do not have anything to do with making friends. Your dues go toward housing maintenance costs, food if your house serves it, certain fees for nationals, and various other little things. There is definitely no fee for "friendship making". Rather, you make your friends by going to different sisterhood activities, and participating in events. For new members, there is usually a retreat, (mine was too a river to go tubing) which is an awesome time to get to know the girls in your PC. After all, you are going to potentially be with these girls for the next four years, so you should try and get along.
Myth #2: All those girls do is dress up and go to parties
There is so much more to Greek life, or student life in general, than just going to socials. Socials are get-togethers that are planned by one sorority and one fraternity's social chairs. They are responsible for picking a theme, planning a night, and booking a location. Common themes are Risky Business, Hippies, Rescue Me, and so on. The themes are meant to be funny, and easy to throw together an outfit for. The most common misconception about socials is that they are just a giant wild college party. Admittedly, fraternities usually throw a pre game beforehand to get everyone in the mood, but the actual social is held at an approved location (a bar or club downtown). It is a registered event, which means underage drinking is strictly prohibited, and the social has been approved by nationals. Your executive members will normally be at the door checking people in and offering rides home to anyone who needs.
Myth #3: If I join a sorority, I won't have any time for school work
College is all about picking and choosing, and just as if you weren't in a sorority, there would be parties and other distractions. Sororities do not promote blowing off school work to go out, go to socials, formals, or any other event. They do not even condone missing a class to attend chapter. School always comes first. In fact, most chapters pride their members on their GPAs and encourage tutoring and study hours within the house. My chapter has a person whose sole job is to monitor GPAs and find tutoring for anyone who is slipping below the acceptable average. Additionally, at the end of the semester, we throw a catered party for the sisters with outstanding GPAs. While it may seem like an incentive program, it is really just a reminder that doing well is much more important than attending every.single.party.
Myth #4: Those girls are so self-absorbed and only care about their sorority
Greek students are actually some of the most involved students on campus. Typically, the GPA for Greeks is much higher than the rest of the campus. At my school, for example, Greeks hold all but one seat in Student Government, organize the Pep Rally and Homecoming events for the school every year, and hold most of the executive positions of the most esteemed Honor Societies on campus. One of my own sisters is even the Student Body President this year! Greeks are all about helping Greeks, and joining a sorority actually opens up so many doors to get involved. Older sisters post clubs and organizations that they are involved in to our Facebook group almost daily. Personally, I got way more involved on campus than I ever did previously. I even hold some of those higher positions now. I can honestly say that without my sisters, I wouldn't be nearly as involved as I am. Yes, we do care about our sorority, but we are by no means self-absorbed.
Myth #5: Girls in one sorority aren't allowed to be friends with girls in a different sorority
I can assure you, there are no rules that state that members are not allowed to be friends with members of other chapters. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Most campuses promote "Pan Love" or the idea that all the chapters of the Panhellenic Council should get along. While not everyone is going to be best best friends, a lot of girls have friends outside of their chapter. My big's best friends are all members of different sororities, and couldn't get along better. My roommate freshman year was in a rival sorority, and we are still close friends. Greek life, and college, is all about making friendships that will last a life time, no matter what group you are affiliated with.
Ultimately, Greek life and "Going Greek" is all about what you make it. I hope you all try it, instead of passing up the opportunity to make some of the greatest friends, and have the most rewarding college experience you possibly can.
xoxo
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