So I Heard You're Going Through Recruitment

I think I spent the better half of the summer before freshman year planning my recruitment week outfits. While I wanted to look my best (and let's be real, any excuse for shopping is a good excuse), I was really just trying to hide how nervous I was for recruitment. A whole week of meeting hundreds of girls, making new friends, putting my best self forward, all culminating in one bid — one envelope that will change my Samford years.

Yea, that's a lot of pressure.

As someone who has been there done that, I understand how exciting and challenging recruitment week can be. That's why I wanted to send you some first-hand advice to take some pressure off this special season so you can truly enjoy it.

This is everything I wish I could tell freshman Ella before recruitment.

1. Stay Hydrated

August in Alabama is no joke. When you're constantly walking up and down hills, waiting outside for your next event, and exerting a lot of energy during the parties, staying hydrated is critical. Make sure to grab your favorite water bottle and fill it up each day. Throw in an electrolyte powder for extra support. Your body will thank you!

2. Pack a Recruitment Bag

During recruitment, you'll be spending a lot of time outside of your dorm, constantly on the move from house to house. Use your PNM bag to carry your essential items so you're always prepared for whatever mishaps take place.

Everyone has different essentials, so make sure to pack what you need to be your best self. Here are some general items that you can't go wrong with:

deodorant/travel-size perfume
walking shoes, like Birkenstocks or sneakers
mints/gum
light snacks
bandaids, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, medications/inhalers, etc.

If you don't like carrying a heavy bag, check out the Minimergency Care Kits.

Pro tip: Tie a scarf or bandana around your bag to easily identify yours.

3. Manage Your Time

Party schedules are tight. No one wants to get left behind, so make sure you are always early to where you need to be. Give yourself ample time to get ready and eat before events. Take how much time you think you need and double it, just to be safe. Always arrive 5 minutes early, and don't forget to plan for travel.

4. Cherish Your Neighbor

While you're establishing relationships with the girls in the houses, remember not to neglect the relationships you make outside the houses. Your recruitment group and Rho Gammas will be some of the first friends you make at Samford. Remember to pour into those relationships too, even if you don't run to the same house. Sisterhood exceeds letters!

5. Remember Your Worth

Recruitment is a big deal! This is the time when you'll find your community, a group of girls who will become sisters for life. There's a lot of pressure on this week, and sometimes it can feel like this is all that matters. Remember that this is just one small chapter of your college career. Where you end up does not determine your worth.

Remember who your worth comes from.

Genesis 1:26
2 Corinthians 5:17
Psalm 139:13-14
1 John 4:4
Philippians 3:14

As you prepare for recruitment week, take heart and know that you are surrounded by a community of people who love and care about you. Panhellenic has prepared for months for you. They have spent months praying for you. There is never one moment that you are alone.

Be yourself, have fun, and enjoy this moment.