It is no secret that Greek Life plays an important role in bringing students to Washington State University. At WSU, Panhellenic's formal recruitment is a long, but rewarding, seven-day process. Potential new members (PNMs) have the opportunity throughout this process to meet and get to know all 14 Panhellenic sororities through four distinct rounds. As the week goes on, we help women find their home in a chapter that best fits their values and goals.
For those who are unfamiliar with the recruitment process, Rho Gammas (also known as recruitment counselors) guide PNMs through each step of the process throughout formal recruitment. Rho Gammas are disaffiliated members of the Greek community who do not reveal which chapter they belong to so they can have their PNMs' best interests at heart. A Rho Gamma is a PNM's most valuable friend, resource and liaison while going through recruitment. We want to make sure that recruitment is a positive experience for everyone!
Once COVID-19 began taking a turn for the worse, WSU's Panhellenic council had to adapt and create a 100% virtual formal recruitment. As Rho Gammas, we were all excited for the opportunity to hold a virtual recruitment, but let me tell you, it was unlike anything anyone had ever experienced. We lived and breathed technology by the end of virtual recruitment, and we all could have put Information Technology Specialist on our resumes afterward.
Being a Rho Gamma during virtual recruitment taught me five important things that I would like to share with you.
1. It is possible to make connections through the Internet.
Many people believe that it is hard to truly connect with others when the connection is made through a screen. This virtual recruitment defied the odds and proved people wrong, including myself! As Rho Gammas, we push PNMs to be themselves and show sororities how amazing they are. Many of my PNMs told me that they are outgoing people, but were concerned that it would not show through on the internet. I reassured my PNMs by telling them that what you put into it is what you are going to get out of it. Later in the week, my PNMs would tell me about the deep, genuine conversations that they were having with chapter members. By no means is it the same as in-person interactions, but we were all able to make those connections through the Internet during this process.
2. Our similarities stand out more than our differences.
I realized that we all look for the same things when we go through recruitment. During my one-on-one conversations with my PNMs, I realized that we are all very similar in that we all have the same general goals when finding a home in a chapter. Whether you are a Rho Gamma, a potential new member or a chapter, we all want to be liked, accepted and appreciated for who we truly are. We also all want to be able to share our talents, skills and passions. To feel a sense of belonging is what we strive for and to find that and join something greater than ourselves is everything.
3. Being disaffiliated is not easy.
Conversations with women going through recruitment reminded me of how much I adore my sorority. This process is rewarding though it is also a harsh realization that being disaffiliated is not easy. Sometimes I would need a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent to, and I would yearn to have my sisters by my side. I would not have been a Rho Gamma without my sorority sisters pushing me to be the best person I can be. This was a harsh realization that I need to appreciate the little things before they are gone. Four years is all we get at college. I needed to remember to make the most of everything no matter how big or small. This process made me appreciate my sisters and sorority more than ever.
4. Self-care is important.
Formal recruitment is an emotionally and physically draining week. People come to us (Rho Gammas) as the problem-solvers during recruitment and sometimes, as crazy as it sounds, we don't know the answers. I learned that I am not a tech-savvy person. Technology is not my friend - when the WiFi went down or Zoom stopped working - I would start to panic and not know what to do. I also learned that multitasking is not a strength of mine. Thinking on your feet as a Rho Gamma is essential - think smarter, not harder. This week taught me that self-care is essential. It is draining having to wake up early, be on top of your game all day, have emotional conversations and many important meetings at night. I have started to set blocks of time aside to watch Netflix, go on a walk, fill in a page in my coloring book, etc… When your day is so focused on other people, it is important to take time for yourself, as well.
5. It's easy to feel lost.
No matter what side of recruitment you are on, it is easy to feel lost. When recruitment went virtual this year, no one quite knew how to go about it or whose steps to follow. Every person reacts to new experiences differently because everyone is different. Some people are more anxious than others, and some people are less. My job as a Rho Gamma is to know and understand how to comfort each PNM differently to fit each woman’s needs. For PNMs, it can be difficult to comprehend when a chapter that they loved does not invite them back for the next round. This can throw them off in a way that makes them second guess themselves. A quote that I shared with my PNMs is “realize that if a door closes, it is because what was behind it was not meant for you.”
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