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

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

Be-YOU-tiful

Everyone has something that they may not be confident about or some fear that keeps us up late at night. We are an imperfect people and there are always going to be things that we are self-conscious about. It could be that stutter that you get when you are nervous, the size of your feet, the inability to get in front of a crowd and speak with purpose. We are all imperfect, but that imperfection is humanizing.

Sometimes, we allow our fears and emotions to prevent us from seizing opportunities because we are lacking in confidence. We may be afraid to stand up and take charge in a situation because we are afraid of being talked about. We become complacent because we lack confidence.

It is important to remember that there are haters everywhere. You are never going to be able to please everyone. You may not have the perfect body, you may not have the perfect voice, you may not have the best athletic ability, but you are YOU and there is nothing that you can do about that.

You must take some stock in who you are. Whether you are quiet, nerdy, loud, funny, sarcastic, introverted, extroverted, or anywhere in between, OWN who you are. Be that person and be that person on a DAILY BASIS.

Recently, I got the opportunity to hear Erin Fischer speak at Panhellenic Academy. She was one of the opening speakers and she spoke on the topic of confidence. She shared with us some of her habits that she developed on her journey to being a more confident person. Here are some tips from the brave Ms. Fisher:

#1- Limit your limiting beliefs- Don’t let the fact that someone has told you that you are not good at something keep you from doing it. If you let go of those limits, you can change your behaviors.

#2-Build your reserve of resiliency-Failure is inevitable. You are going to fail, but the failure is not what it is important. What is important is that you have the strength and the courage to keep going even after you fail. Accept your failure, own in, and learn from it.

#3-Get real- Do not be afraid to ask for help. You are not a perfect person and you are going to need help at some point. Be real with yourself and realize when you need that assistance you can JUST ASK!

#4-Help others on their confidence journey- Sharing your talent not only benefits the person that you are helping, but you are going to find joy in sharing your talents.

#5-Identify your fears so you can increase your self-awareness- By knowing your fears and being aware of then, you can work on getting over those fears and gaining confidence in the face of those fears.

#6- You can learn a lot from the confidence of rock stars- Rock stars DO NOT CARE about the people who did not buy their tickets. They are only worried about the people who are bought their tickets and come to hear them play. Do not worry or lose sleep over the people who do not buy YOUR ticket. There are people who are in your corner. You should appreciate and “play” for the patrons that are behind you.

So, dance like no one is watching, sing your heart out in the shower, tell that corny joke, don’t let them put Baby in a corner! Be who you are and be as genuine as you can be and go into the world and BE CONFIDENT!

Post Written by Guest Blogger, Sarah Ann Keeter; Edited by UNA Panhellenic