New Member Spotlight: Erin and Rachel Shockey

Note from the interviewer:

This week we will be focusing on our new members. When I first thought of who to interview for this series I immediately thought of these two. Being on the other side of recruitment I got to see them throughout their entire process and watch their reactions on bid day. I have seen these two flourish in their own unique ways that really show off their amazing personalities. I really enjoyed my interview with them and encourage you to get to know them just like I did.

First off, where are you from?

Madison. Bob Jones

Why did you choose UNA?

E: We both played volleyball in high school and I was choosing colleges based on volleyball scholarships and this was the only place I was considering not playing at and I chose here because I prayed about it and I was at peace here.

R: We went to a big high school, and while it was awesome I chose a smaller college because it felt homey and like I would have a voice here and I would not be just a number; a place where I could get to know my professors and small class sizes.

Why did you go through recruitment?

E: Well it’s funny because I wasn’t going to do recruitment but Rachel was. Since I wasn’t going to do volleyball at UNA I was wondering what I would do with my time. My high school volleyball coach really encouraged me to go through recruitment. She actually went to UNA and was in a sorority here and told me about how if I didn’t like it by the end of the week I didn’t have to take my bid but I would meet a lot of people throughout the process. I really respect her and her opinion so I decided to go through. I think she knew that I would have taken my bid at the end of the week no matter what.

R: In high school we had 2 best friends who are our support system besides our parents because they are so strong in their faith and when they went off to two different schools I decided to go through recruitment so I could have strong friendships like that here. It’s been great. I’ve already been making amazing friends and I love it!

What was your idea of a sisterhood before recruitment and how is it compared to now?

E: Beforehand I thought that with that many girls in one place there would be drama or whatever. I didn’t know how deep it actually is. I had no idea what sororities were about. It’s about having each other’s backs and loving each other. After step show it was crazy to me how much of a bond we already have. You are all joined together by something bigger than yourself.

R: I kind of went into recruitment blind. Even though our dad was in a fraternity no woman in our family was Greek. I mean fraternities and sororities are different so I had no idea what I was wanting to enter into. I just thought sororities were a bunch of girls that hung out and went places together. Sisterhood and values night was a real eye opener to me. Now I realize it’s a lot deeper than I thought it would be. It’s who you are as a person and pushes you to be the best person you can be.

Define sisterhood.

R: Wow, that really hard. It’s just knowing that no matter what people will do anything and everything for you. They are your support system and encourage you to be the best person you can be.

E: I mean Rachel and I have our own sisterhood, but it’s not the same. While I always have her best interest at heart it’s someone who would drop everything for you. Someone who would stand out in the rain and miss a college football game while you have a flat tire. If I had to define sisterhood it would be going through life with people no matter your background and loving them regardless of how different they are from you.

What was your first thought when you opened your bid?

E: I honestly thought that I was going to go somewhere else so when I opened my bid I was in shock. Rachel’s Gamma Chi group and mine were right beside each other and I instantly thought of her and looked at her. I saw her jumping and smiling and I was a mixture of emotions. I was upset that I wasn’t going where I thought I was going to and confused that something like this had happened.

R: My first thought was “Oh my gosh this is great!” My second thought was Erin and when I looked up I saw she wasn’t okay. I never even thought about us being in different sororities because we have been together our whole lives. I thought this had to be a mistake. It was a mixture of happiness and sadness.

What did you think when you two got two different homes?

E: I thought the world was crumpling around me. I thought it was the worst thing that could happen. We told each other we would be in the same sorority before recruitment so when we didn’t end up in the same place I felt so alone.

R: I almost felt bad for being happy for going where I wanted to be. I didn’t prepare myself for that because I didn’t think it could be a possibility. I was so stunned and also felt so alone.

What are the pros and cons to being in different sororities?

E: On bid day I was crying on the way to the events and I had 3 different girls that all sat with me and talked to me about everything and how it wasn’t a mistake I was there because they wanted me so badly. Every girl was so concerned when they didn’t even know me. It’s best feeling to be wanted. Rachel and I are so different and we are seeing our differences so much more now. The best thing is I’m seen as an individual. Our whole life we have been mixed up since we are identical twins, but when I walk onto the floor they know who I am. Now because we are in different sororities I get to know twice as many people and I really feel like we are bridging both chapters in a way.

R: You are loved who you are not who y’all are. You aren’t loved for being “the twins”. Erin is much more of the outgoing one and I felt like my confidence came from her, but being in different sororities it helps me be confident in my individual self. It’s really helped me as a person.

E: One of the cons is I can’t wear her t-shirts. I mean what college girl doesn’t love t-shirts?

R: One of the cons for me is that some times I will be missing her throughout the day when she is busy doing her own sorority thing. We have a blood bond, which makes it worse X1000.