Have a Selfish Heart

Obviously the current state of our society is centered around change and opinions. It seems everyone has an opinion and everyone wants to share it (check out Facebook). Again with the obvious, this blog is supposed to be about you and about recruitment. However, how can we even address the obvious without also referencing what is actually going on, what is filling up your news feed, as an incoming freshman. Regardless of what you agree/disagree with, the fact is that you are about to go to college and that means change. This place is full of young, eager, and passionate minds. This is going to include some that you agree with, disagree with, and some people that say things that you have never even thought about in your life. Immersing yourself in this collegiate culture is amazingly invigorating for your mind and soul. Exploring yourself, others, and your environment are a part of being a twenty-something. All of this contact with other people your age can really shape you as a person. This can be a great thing. However, in some instances, it is simply a hindrance to your growth.

For example, again with the obvious: recruitment. This is one of the very few times in our lives as successful women that we are allowed to be completely and utterly selfish. Some of you, most like me, before this point you have never made a selfish decision in your heart. Maybe you chose UNA because that’s where your parents wanted you to go, or maybe you are even going through recruitment because your friends want you to. Well, now is the time to drop your selfless demeanor for a while. This decision to even go through, as well as the final decision as to which sorority you want, is yours and yours ONLY. Therefore, referencing my earlier mentions, in this particular instance, it is important to NOT be a sponge during this time. It is crucial to not let the opinions, thoughts, and feelings of others around you influence your decision.

During recruitment, many of our “rules” center on this concept. We do not want you to talk with other women before, between parties, after, etc. about your experiences and thoughts. That is why you have us- your Gamma Chis. We are your guides through this. We have been trained to be objective and to truly enhance your experience during recruitment. We also advise that once you are home and out of our sight, that you also not talk to others about your thoughts, and especially not ask for advice. This includes your mom, your boyfriend, your roommate, and basically any other humans you might come in contact with. Again, this is not the time to absorb others opinions around you. Go ahead and discuss classes, how much fun you’re having at welcome week events, etc.- just not recruitment. I promise this is for your gain, because it will help you obtain that selfish thought process, just for the time being, in order to find a home with sisters that will last a lifetime. At the end of the day we just want you to have the best recruitment experience you can possibly have, and that can only happen if you do not talk to others because you do not want to be torn because of someone else's opinion. 

So, I wish you all the best during these college years of yours. I hope you can assume a selfish role during recruitment (I know that will be hard). I also hope that, except during recruitment, that you absorb every living thing around you. I hope you attain bravery from the lions, hope from the flowers, tolerance and acceptance from those different than you, and love from the new friends you are going to make. Good luck little sponges- I wish you all the best of luck with your future endeavors.

Written By: Anonymous Panhellenic Representative; Edited by UNA Panhellenic