Recruitment is just around the corner! Girls have been looking forward to joining Greek life and finding their place here at Penn State for a whole semester now. However, I remember how much of a nervous wreck I was as rush approached my freshman year. Here’s what I wish I knew during my time going through recruitment:

1. Show your confidence

There’s no better look than walking into a rush party with a bright smile and security with who you are. Confidence is a trait that can be noticed in a second. Girls will feel your confidence and will be drawn to you right away. You didn’t apply a pound of makeup and spend a month trying to find the best outfits for no reason, right? So remember, you look great, and “you’re never fully dressed without a smile!”

2. Enjoy it

Recruitment was a long and exhausting process. I remember calling my mom after each round, wishing the week would just end already. As overwhelming as it can be, recruitment is a once in a lifetime process as a PNM, so try your best to enjoy every sweaty, repetitive, exhausting part of it! Everything is going to work out just fine, I promise.

3. Trust the process

There have been many girls who feel defeated throughout the rush process. I know I did at certain points. However, you need to remind yourself it is a week of your life and everything happens for a reason. Cliche, I know, but it's the truth. Remember, there’s a place for you, you just need to be yourself and you will find it!

4. Don't be afraid to open up

Recruitment can get repetitive, real fast. You’re speaking to multiple girls in every sorority for hours on end. So, don't be afraid to open up and bring up personal experiences. You'd be surprised how much more you will stand out, and more importantly, you will connect with more girls than you know by showing your true colors and by being honest!

5. Go with your instinct

A lot of people come to school with home friends, and especially this year with recruitment being pushed back to the spring, freshmen have had a whole semester to make a group of friends. This can make it extremely difficult during rush to go your own way and choose what is best for yourself.

Believe it or not, girls in different sororities are actually friends with each other!!!

Being in the same or different sorority doesn't change your friendships. So remember, don’t go along with whatever your friends are doing. Be yourself and choose what you believe is the best fit for you.

6. Breathe.

Recruitment is most definitely intimidating for anyone going through the process. Speaking to older girls one-on-one for hours can seem a bit scary, but you can't forget that they are probably as nervous as you are. Just breathe, take a step back, and remember why you’re rushing in the first place!

Whether it’s for the philanthropy, networking, desire to meet new people, or simply to get involved in something, joining a sorority is such an exciting and fun aspect of college life. I know it was the best decision I’ve ever made. You’re about to meet your best friends for life, you’re future bridesmaids, and your home. So, have fun with it and remember, breathe!