People outside of Greek Life or people who never went away to school usually judge or poke fun at the concept of being in a sorority.
In reality, it’s an amazing resource to take on leadership roles and learn actual skills for the “real world.” Trust me, trying to properly lead and make 75 girls happy all at once is as difficult as “expert” level Guitar Hero; if you press too many wrong buttons, you’ll find yourself offbeat for the rest of the song, unlikely to make a comeback.
When I tell people I am the Vice President of Membership Recruitment, or Recruitment Chair, nine times out of ten, they have no idea what I am talking about. So, for those of you who aren’t a professional sorority girl, allow me to debrief you.
I ran for this position knowing all the requirements, which are the following: coordinate monthly workshops, two day long recruitment workshops, hold weekly meetings, plan a three-day long formal recruitment, keep in constant contact with recruitment advisor, and it doesn’t end there. I was also responsible for attending meetings and workshops with Panhellenic Council, corresponding with my sorority’s headquarters, and managing a large budget.
This upcoming weekend potential new members (PNMs) will undergo the process of becoming a member of one of the six Panhellenic sororities on campus. Along with the other recruitment chairs at Monmouth, our weekends will consist of scouting out girls who share mutual values and would be a good fit for the organization.
Michele Kaplan, Assistant Director of Student Activities for Fraternity and Sorority Life said, “About 20 percent of our undergraduates are members of a fraternity or sorority. Joining a fraternity or sosority is a great way to get involved, grow as an individual, and helps our students connect back to the university once they graduate.”
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to craft the way in which Alpha Omicron Pi will be represented this recruitment in efforts to continue the future of my organization.
Sydeny Lasquinha, a senior psychology student and sister of Alpha Omicron Pi said, “As a senior participating in my last recruitment, I am grateful to have the opportunity to pass on this experience. Being a part of a group of women who empower and challenge you has molded me into a confident individual, and I look forward to potential new members experiencing the same growth in their organization.”
Many members of the Greek community have worked hard to ensure that this weekend’s recruitment will be successful. From the director of Greek life, to sorority members, and recruitment counselors we all share in the common goal to continuing the future of philanthropic service and empowerment of women on campus.
“We start preparing a year before. Once recruitment weekend is over, we take a few weeks to process through the event and see where changes can be made. Immediately, we reserve space for the following year and start recruiting our Recruitment Counselors,” said Kaplan.
Alyssa Consentino, a senior psychology student said, “As a recruitment counselor, I hope all the girls going into recruitment are open minded and excited. I’m looking forward to getting to know the women who will be entering the Greek community at Monmouth and helping them find their home.”
As my final week as VPMR approaches and the weekend I’ve awaited since spring 2016 is in sight, I am compelled to look back and realize how much I have grown and how excited I am to witness the growth of my sorority in the wake of new membership. Now all I have to say is: Wake me up when it is Bid Day.
IMAGE TAKEN from Monmouth Panhellenic Council
