A guide on the sorority recruitment process

by Olivia

In this post I’ll walk you through the sorority recruitment process. There are a few things you need to expect and know beforehand. Hopefully, I can guide you through sorority recruitment (rushing) and calm the nerves you probably have.

First things first, if you’re on the fence about rushing a sorority GO. FOR. IT. It doesn’t hurt to go to the houses day one and get a feel for it. Quinnipiac’s panhellenic held a super fun greek carnival. The event got me EXCITED to go through recruitment, but if you don’t get excited to be apart of a sorority don’t force it! Make a decision that is right for YOU.

Quinnipiac’s sorority recruitment process is over Labor Day weekend, but I know some schools have sorority reruitment for two weeks! Every school is different and every sorority is different so I’m going to give general sorority recruitment tips. Your school will give you ideas of what to wear each day, I recommend using Pinterest to find inspiration on what to wear each day. Get ready PNM (potential new member) you got this!

OK, first you have to sign up for the sorority recruitment process. Typically, there is a link online you can find on your schools panhellenic website or social media. FYI, panhellenic is the group on campus that represents all sororities. When you sign up for the sorority recruitment process there is a super small fee. Just a little reminder, being in a sorority can be pricey! You DO have to pay to be involved in a sorority. I promise you’re not “paying for friends” this money goes towards formals, semi formals, shirts, dinners and any other fun activities. Typically, this is all covered by your sorority payments (dues).

So that’s just a little background for you pre sorority recruitment and what to keep in mind.

Alright so now imagine it’s day one of the sorority recruitment process. Your emotions are going to be EVERYWHERE throughout the sorority recruitment process. You’re going to be nervous, scared, anxious, excited and more. My number one tip is to carry yourself with confidence. I feel like you can tell when someone holds themself with confidence and talks with confidence. NOT cocky. I’ve talked to girls who sounded so over confident and cocky where it completely RUINED their chances. When you’re overly confident and cocky, you loose the genuine person that you are. So be confident in who you are naturally and don’t try and be someone you’re not, it won’t get you far.

Now you may be nervous about conversations during the sorority recrutiment process, but let them come naturally, even if it’s about your 5th grade pet fish, seriously! If you and the girl you’re talking to hit it off, that’s huge.

PRO RECRUITMENT TIP: NEVER ask about partying, social events or gathertings with other fraternities or boys. Instead, ask about the sororities philanthropy or  philanthropy events they hold. I feel like that’s a given BUT you’d be surprised what some girls say! So please don’t be that girl, I’m telling you now!

The sorority recruitment process can be hard but it shouldn’t be. Some girls get really nervous during sorority recruitment and shut down. Maybe their true personality is hiding because they’re just so nervous and trying so hard to be likeable. Anxiety and stress are usually things that can’t be controlled, so sometimes “trusting the process” doesn’t work out and it can be fustrating for girls. I think it’s really key to find something you and the other girl have in common and role with it. Talk about who you are and what makes you, you. Everyone can relate in some way, it’s not cheesy, it’s true.

And finally don’t try and be in the sorority your roommate or bestie is in as you go through the sorority recruitment process. Be your own self and do your own thing. My best friend and I went into the sorority recruitment process like omg how fun would it be if we were in the same sorority!!!!! Now, I’m like yeah, no. We’re best friends but we’re so different, it’s actually nice to have that seperation.

Please don’t be anxious during the entire sorority recruitment process, it’s fun. I hope you can breathe a little more after reading this post and it gave you a clearer vision of how you should go about things.

OH HEY shop mine and my roommates closets. Prices are negotiable and most of the stuff we’ve never worn! @shop_co_closet

Check out my latest posts:

Tips on how to get an internship & 10 things I wish I knew as a freshman in college 

Below are pictures from the past two years in my sorority and during the sorority recruitment process!

sorority recruitment process
No longer a PNM, now I’m on the other side during the Greek Carnival

Sorority recruitment process

sorority recruitment process
Recruitment day one!

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Tips on how to get an internship

by Olivia

I’m no expert and maybe I’ve just had luck…but I wanted to share with you what has helped me land two internships as an incoming junior in college.

I’ve interned as WTNH News 8 in New Haven, CT & currently, I’m interning at PIX 11 in NYC. Both internships have been very different from one another, but I know both will help me down the road and lead me to a job.

Hover over the graphic to pin it!

So how to get an internship? Well first off, I’ve tried really hard to apply myself in college. What I mean is that I’ve joind clubs & organizations on campus.

Being in a sorortiy can help someone network. Maybe your bigs, best friend’s cousin has the same major as you. So your big tells her best friend about you, who reaches out to her cousin. Now you’ve connected! All because you’re apart of a sorority on campus. Most internships you get are from connecting with people. The more you’re involved in, the better your chances of meeting someone with the same career interests as you are! So, that’s tip number one on getting an internship.

I’ve talked about my involvement with the schools television station, Q30, a lot. So this organization sort of mimics a television station and has a weekly newscast. For me, being in this organization has been super beneficial to my success. Not only have I connected with people, I’ve been able to get hands on experience in news. So when I have an interview with a potential employer, I walk them through what I do in Q30. They’re usually pretty impressed by a student run television station. I’d definitely say my involvment with this organization has helped me get an internship.

It’s a lot of work being involved in multiple organizations and clubs at school but it has enhanced my experience, my personal growth and has allowed me to connect with a number of different people. To balance all of this prioritize and try to do the most of what makes you the happiest. If you need to take a step back from something, take the step back. This is something I’ve struggled with and hope to get better at this year, I need to learn to sometimes take a breather. You only go to college once but you also want to make your college experience worth something, that’s why I sometimes over push myself (so bottom line, don’t over do it).

My next tip on how to get an internship is to go for things you wouldn’t expect yourself to get. WTNH said they’ll only take juniors and seniors in college, but I took a chance in applying and they took me! I didn’t think I’d get it, but I’m so happy I tried anyways…and look, I got it! That could happen to you too, so don’t doubt your abilities.

And, always treat everyone with kindness and compassion. A person you meet may be the one to help you when you’re looking for a job.

So these are my tips on how to get an internship:

  • Involvement in clubs and organizations

  • Getting first hand experience in an organization on campus related to your major

  • Prioritize

  • Apply and go for a position, even if your feel “unqualified”

  • Set goals

  • Lastly, treat everyone with kindness and compassion, they may be the help you need down the line

YOU GOT THIS.

Good things come to those who grind, I always tell myself how hard I work will pay off. Be a goal getter but a goal setter first. Figure out what you want and go get it.

WTNH

how to get an internship

how to get an internship

PIX11

                  Yes, I interviewed Jake Gyllenhaal & Tom Sturridge…yes..still not over it.
how to get an internship
                                            Also was able to cover the press room at the TONYS!

how to get an internship

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Summer outfit for a daytime party

by Olivia

I wore this summer outfit to a graduation party during the day and thought it was super fitting for the occasion. I think this is a great outfit for a summer afternoon lunch or just hanging out with family and friends.

White jeans are ALWAYS my go to for a casual summer outfit, most tops pair really well with white jeans too. I think being tan in a pair of white jeans makes a huge difference too. I actually got my white jeans from Marshalls. I didn’t think they’d carry the perfect white jean but they did! I deffinitely recommend checking out your Marshalls for a pair of stretchy, fitting, high-waisted pair of white jeans or for any summer outfit.

OK I’m  such a cheap person, majority of my friends know this. I HATE spending money and never buy anything without looking at the price tag first, especially when it comes to seasonal summer outfits. I was so drawn to the simplicity of this green top. It’s delicate, yet fitting and had really cute detailing. Yes, I spent $40 dollars on a tank top. I realized after and was like eh whatever. That’s SO unlike me but I’m happy I kept the top because I’ve been wearing it a bunch and its been my go to summer outfit! It’s from a boutique called Lucki Clover. Lucki Clover has the best pieces to make a casual summer outfit. You can order off their Instagram!

I don’t mind spending too much money on outfits. When it comes to accessories, I try not to spend as much. I do this because accessories frequently change for me depending on the trend. I love statement earrings but you will not catch me spending $50 on a pair of fun earrings that go with maybe five outfits in my closet. That’s when I look to Shein. Most of my statement earrings are from there. This straw bag (which I’ve been eyeing since last summer) I finally bought. I’m obsessed with it! The best part is that this straw bag was only $25 dollars from Shein, so I won’t be having buyers remorse.

My apple watch band is from Target, I really wanted a beige/light pink band that goes with every outfit  and of course my staple and go to ray-bans.

white jeans, denim and tank top, making for the perfect summer outfit  Read More

10 things I wish I knew as a freshman in college

by Olivia

As I head into my junior year of college, there are a number of things I wish I had known as a freshman. For anyone in college this may help you, and if you’re out of college, maybe you can relate.

1. You hear a lot of freshman roommate horror stories, but they may just turn into your best friend. But, if they don’t become your best friend, you will find your person or people.

2. You won’t like everyone and not everyone will like you.

3. I’ve noticed college is in no way like high school, so stop being judgemental now.

3. R-E-L-A-X, the small things won’t matter 5, 10, 15 years from now.

4. Apply yourself. Join organizations on campus and get involved. You’ll meet great people and make your college experience so much better.

5. College is practice for real life. It’s OK to make mistakes.

6. Go for positions or internships you don’t think you can get. You’ll surprise yourself with what you can do and what you can get.

7. NEVER. PUT. GUYS. BEFORE. YOUR. BEST. GIRL. FRIENDS. Some boys are temporary, friends are most likely forever. Chicks before _______.

8. Yes, spend your money but remember to try and save it too.

9. Remind your family often how grateful you are that they were able to send you to college, many people don’t have the privilege.

10. HAVE FUN. You only go to college once and it only lasts four years.

I know college is an exciting yet also nerve-racking time. If you’re an incoming freshman and you’re not going to your first choice, it will be OK, better than OK it’ll be GREAT. Try and keep a positive mindset, even if you have a number of worries. Trust me, I was hesitant and worried too, it’s normal.

When I visited Loyola University Maryland, I thought I was for sure going there. But, the world had different (better) plans for me. Honestly, Loyola didn’t give me any type of academic scholarship, and I didn’t want to put my family through that tuition.

I went back and forth between Quinnipiac and Loyola, but in my heart I wanted to go to Loyola. Heading into my third year of college, it’s nothing short of a blessing that I’m a student at Quinnipiac. I haven’t thought about Loyola once. So for everyone, go into college open-minded, you got this!

Best wishes!

A reflection on my sophomore year at Quinnipiac U

by Olivia

Last year, I posted a reflection on my freshman year at Quinnipiac University, here I am with a reflection post on sophomore year.

These past two semesters were undoubtably the most challenging, not in regards to class work but sometimes it felt like I was juggling a THOUSAND things at once and forgot to just breathe. It took a toll on me. But with ups and downs throughout the year, my friends and I constantly said, “it is what it is.” It turned into 52B’s motto. Honestly, it’s so true. Whatever happens, life moves on and in 5, 10, 15 years the small things we stress abot now, won’t matter. That’s something to always remember.

I love living with roommates and realized I do not like living alone. I also struggled with a lot of sleepness nights worrying about the future. I’d get very anxious or worry about things I couldn’t control. My two roommates and I would get into our beds usually around midnight and end up talking about everything under the sun until like 2a.m. Yes, the next day I was tired. But, I appericated the conversations and care we had for one another.

So whats changed this year? Not much and I’m happy about that. My core friends and boyfriend remained the same, and my new roommate turned into a great, close friend. So FYI, don’t be afriad if you need to take a random roommate one year, they may turn into a best friend! But, I also continued being a sister of Kappa Alpha Theta and being a member of student media at QU.

Q30, which is Quinnipiac’s television station, caused me the most stress during my academic year, but it’s also one of the most important things to me at Quinnipiac. It has brought me lifelong friends, my boyfriend and has given me a lot experience in regards to TV news.

I had my first intership at WTNH News 8 in New Haven, CT during my spring semester. Word of advice, if an internship says you have to be a junior or senior, do not hesitate to apply. WTNH says on their site that they only want juniors and seniors, but I got a call and they made an exception to take a sophomore student. I got incredibly close to a few reporters. I’m so grateful that I was able to get to know them and go out on stories with them. They’re what made my experience at WTNH so good.

Journalism is in no way the most challenging major, and trust me, health science and nursing majors will make that clear to you…But, I’m choosing to spend my college years involved in so many organizations. I am just as busy, just as stressed and will be just as succesful. I encourage everyone to get involved with organizations on campus, they will make your college experience.

Next weeks post will be, “what I wish I knew as a college freshman.”

So here’s what I have to say. College is chaotic, stressful and can be (is) mentally exhausting, but it has brought me endless opportunities and so far, it has made up the best years of my life.

August

Greek fair, for anyone interested in rushing

Bid day 2018

October

Dinner at Livi’s house. It’s always a good idea to unwind and relax with those who are more like family than friends

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