A common question to every incoming freshman girl is, “Oh, my gosh, are you rushing!?”  

Coming to Clemson from Chicago, I had no idea what in the world a sorority entailed. My southern roommate told me the in’s and out’s of southern sorority life and recruitment, but no words can fully describe the week long process to find your lifelong sisters. Here are a few tips I wish I had known before beginning recruitment: 

1. Bring snacks and water. You are in Little John for hours on end and, yes, you're provided some snacks. But how boring does a little Cliff bar get after endless hours of snacking? And water. No, not to wash down your goldfish; you will be talking, laughing, and smiling for prolonged periods of time and you will need to be refreshed for the next round.  

2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. I know, how cute can comfy be? Well, for this week, you need to compromise. I made the mistake of wearing huge nude pumps and after my walk to recruitment from my dorm, I was calling my roommate crying, begging her to bring me a change of shoes for my second party that day. You will be walking to and from class and recruitment, as well as to all the different sorority parties. Trust me when I say comfort is key. No one is going to remember those super bedazzled pumps over your comfortable black ones. They will remember the conversation and confidence you hold yourself with, by being comfortable. 

3. Bring gum and mints. Although you're not allowed to chew gum or mints within rounds, it's nice to pop a piece in your mouth during that 15-minute wait with your Pi Chi group. It makes all the difference when you walk in and start talking to your first gal, and you know your breath is rocking a fresh mint flavor. 

4. Build a relationship with your Pi Chi. They are here to help! They go through a rigorous application and interview process, and they are not biased. They will provide an open mind and great advice throughout your recruitment week. Don't be shy or afraid to open up to them; you won't hurt their feelings if you do not fit into their sorority. If anyone does, they realize everyone ends up choosing where they belong for a reason. I wish I had become closer to my Pi Chi; they are great resources, friends and yours may even become your sister!

5. Keep an open mind. Although I was lucky and didn't grow up around Clemson knowing the stigmas or “types” of sororities, some girls come in close-minded with only one sorority in mind. Everything happens for a reason, and every girl belongs in a house for a reason. Recruitment is a very exhausting week, from tears to laughs to smiles, but when you run down the hill to your future sorority, it makes it all worth it. So please, clear your mind before every party and let the round speak for itself!

6. Have fun! College is known to be the best four years of your life, and having lifelong sisters and friends beside you makes all the difference. Keep a smile and a positive attitude, I promise everything else will fall into place!