5 Things to Keep In Mind About Keeping An Open Mind

Deciding to go through sorority recruitment is a personal choice made for a variety of different reasons. Whether it’s because you want to make more friends, get involved, or to become a part of something bigger than yourself those are all excellent reasons for making that decision. Most of us can relate to why we joined a sorority. After all, that’s something everyone can agree on no matter how different we are. Girls spend weeks preparing for formal recruitment. Whether it’s the PNM’s or the members themselves there is so much preparation that goes into the process as a whole. So, to make your sorority recruitment a little easier here are 5 things to keep in mind when you are keeping an open mind.

1. Be Yourself.

Being yourself is probably the most important thing to remember when going through recruitment. This goes both ways. It’s important for the PNM’s to be themselves as well as the members. Remember that you are meeting these women for the first time just like they are meeting you. The whole process is completely insane but it works. This is your chance to let your true colors shine and to be exactly who you are. College is a time in which you find yourself. So if that means you are preppy, boho, or edgy this is your chance to be you and find your home where you truly fit.

2. Don’t Believe Everything You Hear.

Not everything you see in the movies about Greek life is accurate. This goes along with what you hear from boys as well. Don’t believe everything you hear about each sorority. Chances are the rumors are false. Get to know these women. Attend campus events before rush. Go out of your way to talk to girls with letters on in class. You will be surprised once you actually get to know these women. A majority of the opinions you come into contact with may be false, extremely biased, or outdated. Trust your gut and keep an open mind.

3. Be Honest.

Be honest with the girls, but more importantly be honest with yourself. After all, you are making this decision for you and this is your time to be truly happy. Think about the sororities that challenge you and make you want to be a better version of yourself. Don’t let anyone pressure you into pledging a sorority that you do not feel completely comfortable in. Stay in touch with your inner self and block the excess opinions out. Honesty is the best policy especially when it comes to recruitment.  Pledge the sorority that you feel is the right choice in your heart.

4. Ask Questions.

During the parties with each sorority take the time to find out their strengths and weaknesses and compare them with your own.  This is important because you need to find a sorority that challenges you. Find out what campus activities they are involved in and ask yourself if you would like to be involved in some of those things as well.  Being in a sorority opens so many doors for different involvement opportunities on and off campus. With the support of your sisters you may gain the courage to really get out there and take advantage of your time here at UNA.

5. Don’t Stress.

The recruitment process is designed to help you end up where you are supposed to be. Don’t worry about ending up in the “wrong place” or not getting a bid. Focus on your wants and needs and the rest will come naturally.  The girls on the other side are just as nervous as you. We all went through recruitment so we understand the emotions are at an all time high. Trust your instincts, take a deep breath, and relax. What’s meant to be will be.

Keeping an open mind is so important and if you follow these 5 tips you are sure to have a better recruitment experience. Joining a sorority is so much more than you could ever imagine. From the outside looking in you don’t understand it and from the inside looking out you can’t explain it. The friends you gain, the memories you make, and the experiences you will have make college unforgettable. Time flies when you are having fun, and I promise it will go by much faster than you think.

Written by Maryanne Fults; Edited by UNA Panhellenic

Sorority Girl Life Lessons

Becoming a Greek woman isn’t about the title, the recognition, or the gifts you receive. It’s about being a part of something that is much bigger than yourself. It’s about working every day to be the woman you are meant to be and living with a purpose to be better than you were the day before. As a senior, I’ve seen the good, the bad, & the ugly, the ups and downs, the rewards and consequences, and the accomplishments and downfalls. Some times are harder than other times but I know of 115 women who will answer their phone at 3 am if a sister needed her. We have each other and at times, that’s all we need. We have a bond that cannot be broken through the art of sisterhood.

Many things come to mind when the word {sisterhood} is brought up. From girls’ night out to the chapter meetings to the pictures you took at date party with your pledge class. You just can’t help but smile looking back on those sweet memories. On the other hand, something I think about when {sisterhood} comes to mind is the life lessons I’ve learned from being involved in Greek life within Panhellenic.

It teaches you to be selfless. Becoming a selfless woman will open your eyes to all of the things you’ve shut out along the way. We put in hard work for our chapters that sometimes can seemingly go unnoticed but it makes a huge impact in your heart and your purpose of being there. A selfless woman will do whatever she needs to do for the betterment of her sorority and for her sisters. When sisters call her they know she always responds in a compassionate manner. The most important thing to her is her sisters and the memories she will make with them. 

It teaches you how to ball on a budget. Being a college girl, money goes faster than water in the desert. You will be broke and calling your parents for help before you know it. Being in a sorority girl can get expensive (especially if you rock every t-shirt they order), but there are ways to keep your cool and not have to count your change at the gas pump. If you can grab a part time job, stay on top of your payments, and balance out your budget for the necessities, you’re on the right track to a great year with your friends and keeping some money handy! Don’t get discouraged! Lots of sorority girls pay all of their bills independently and still have a social life. You can do it. J

It teaches you time management. Coming in as a freshman at UNA, I was an athlete, a student, and joined a sorority in recruitment. With that being said, my priorities lined up very quickly. Although I constantly stayed busy, it was worth every minute. I loved jumping in head first and getting involved with different organizations all at once. You can set up study dates with your friends, build your resume, plan the times when you can finally eat, and make memories all in one. It could be more difficult to add in another activity once you settle into a regular schedule so don’t wait on that. Jump right in, you won’t regret it!

It teaches you to be a team player. We love to feel like we are a part of something. Like all of the hard work we put into something really paid off and it was well worth it. We all work together for a common goal that makes our bond that much stronger. We are all pieces to the puzzle and we need every piece to make the picture perfect .

It teaches you how about networking. Not only throughout Panhellenic but in the community as well. Knowing the right kind of people can get you so far along in life. Networking is the root of the business world and it can definitely help you land your dream job. Joining a sorority opens a door for you to meet so many incredible people and each and every one has something different to bring to the table. The connections you make will be with you for the rest of your life.

GO GREEK!! It’s the best way to learn your life lessons in college.

Written by Cortney Wray; Edited by UNA Panhellenic

The Hollywood Myth {MythBusters}

When you hear the word "sorority" what do you think? Most would probably think about something they saw off of a movie, right? Where the girls are fighting for that top position in their sorority and on campus, and they are probably ditzy and self-centered. 

Erase those memories right now. Many common misconceptions about Greek life come from Hollywood. Many movies and TV shows depict sorority life in a negative manner. They show the members of one sorority hating girls just because they are in different sororities, partying with fraternity boys, and being unaccepting to girls based off looks. After being in a sorority I have learned that these aren’t true. 

While there is healthy competition between sororities in intramurals, Step Sing, Step Show, etc. I would never hate another girl because they are in a different sorority. There is no rule that says you can't be friends with girls in other sororities. A few of my best friends are even in different sororities than I am. We have grown close and appreciate our friendship regardless of what sorority we are in. So when you go through recruitment I know it's tempting to want to go where your best friend wants to go, but you need to make that choice for you. And while sometimes girls go to the fraternity houses that is not all we do. We do lots of other things on weekends with our sisters too. We hang out on our sorority floor or go to the movies. However, our night doesn’t end in pillow fights like most movies. 

Movies like The House Bunny show girls having to change their appearance for a sorority. I think this more than all the others is the furthest from the truth. Girls are not judged based on appearance but based on personality, friendship, and loyalty to one another. 

The girls joining our sororities are girls that we will be friends with for the rest of our lives. Many of these movies depict sorority girls as the dumb, self righteous women with lots of money, but Hollywood has it all wrong. The truth is that girls in sororities are actually some of the most down to earth, caring people in the world. The money part isn’t true either. I personally pay for my sorority by myself by working a summer job. It’s not about the clothes I wear or the money I spend, but the people I make lasting friendships and share my memories with.

Written by Emily Manush; Edited by UNA Panhellenic