"Fall Formal Recruitment is right around the corner! Even though the end goal of recruitment is exciting, I haven’t met a single woman who isn’t nervous and uneasy at the beginning of the process. What you need to remember is that the women in the chapters are just as nervous and excited to meet you as you are to meet them. Recruitment is the most important event of the year because you are the women who are the future of each chapter. The chapter’s goal is to impress you and make you feel as comfortable as possible so that you want to come back and learn more. While the women in the chapters are excited to talk with you, it is important that you ask questions that you have as well. The conversations need to be as 2-sided as possible as opposed to one person constantly asking questions and the other always answering.
As I’m sure many of you know, there are stereotypes for each chapter on our campus. One of the best things you can do before beginning recruitment is forget everything you have heard. Regardless of the supposed validity of stories or rumors, there is no chapter with strictly one type of person. Each chapter is diverse and unique in it’s own way, and you will learn this quickly as the week progresses. With the amount of women in the chapters, it is impossible to not find someone you enjoy talking to and spending time with. The chapter members are going to be as genuine as they can be so that you get a real feel for what they are about. Since they are being genuine with you, your best bet is to be as authentic as you can be with them. In doing this, you’re going to give yourself the best chance possible at ending up in a chapter that you will love all four years at KU.
You will all be in a recruitment group with 20-30 other women, and two Recruitment Counselors. Utilize these women during the process. You will have at least 20 other women who are experiencing the exact same thing as you are. Hang out with them and get to know them because the women in your group could end up being some of your best friends. Your Recruitment Counselors are there for you 100 percent of the time. That is their reason for being there. Anytime you are feeling uneasy or unsure about something, talk to them about it. They are there to offer you guidance and to help you wade through your emotions (which are sometimes high during this week) to figure out how you are really feeling and what you really want. For the entirety of recruitment week, they will be more than happy to talk to you at any hour, day or night.
Finally, have fun!! That is the key to a successful, enjoyable week. You having fun will translate into conversations in the chapters as well as helping others around you keep their spirits high. If you are enjoying your week, it will make the process so much better for you. When you are going through some long days, because there will be a few long, tiring days, just remember how much you will benefit from sticking it out in the end. It can be one of the best experiences of your life, but it is up to you to make it that way!"
