Formal Recruitment weekend for a sorority is always a very fun and exciting time. When I went through Formal Recruitment last year as a potential member, it felt intimidating, coming into each house and trying to pay attention to the space while also keeping up a decent conversation. Now from the side of a sister, welcoming a potential new member is more like

First, all you and your sisters have to come down the stairs, trying not to trip over each other and smile through the pain. Luckily, the recruits don’t really notice anything because it is all just so overwhelming. The decorations kind of make them go like

You realize that the girls do not expect that our houses look like actual houses, not resorts. They slowly, slowly realize that we are humans too! Then you start talking to them, trying to figure out what they’re all about. They kind of agree with everything you say, nodding, trying to figure out what to say.

And you’re there just like

I mean, I get it. I was there. In these moments, you have to figure out if you want to spend the next 4 years and possibly the rest of your life with these girls that you just met. As you’re talking to them, you can sort of understand the way they're thinking. You finally get that rhythm and it feels like

But sometimes, you do not get on that same wavelength and it can get a little awkward. She might ask some questions that make you go

Granted, the recruits are quite nervous, but by the end of the first night they become a lot more comfortable. Eventually, the conversations get a lot better and people just get so excited talking to each other, it gets louder and louder and you just think

And the room buzzes with excitement. Finally, the recruits are comfortable enough to ask you questions about living in the house, what it is like to be a part of the sisterhood, how your scholarship programs work, how much time you commit to your organization, and how involved the house is across campus. It gets even more exciting for you because you can see the interest in the girl’s face and all you want is for her to find her home, the same way you did. Sometimes you like them so much that your words just come out like a post-op Ben Wyatt.

Or like this many emotions Ben collage:

By the end of the night, you are so tired and emotionally drained from all the excitement.

And all you can think of is the food that you could not eat during the parties because you had to food match your recruit.

After it's all over, all you can think about is how wonderful the girls you met are and how happy you are and all night you just wanted to say

But they may not feel the same way as you did, and they might not come back the next day. But you cannot feel too sad about it, because you know they have to go where they think they belong.

Congratulations to all new members everywhere and good luck to all the girls who are rushing soon!