For many girls, Recruitment Week can be scary and stressful. Especially for freshman girls, entering yet another space where you feel alone can be overwhelming. Samford wrapped up its Sorority Recruitment Week last week all while braving rain and an ongoing pandemic. However, sorority members wouldn’t let anything stop their excitement or hinder their incredibly hard work. Alexa McDermott, a Potential New Member (PNM) who recently received an invitation to join the Phi Mu sorority, had a very interesting recruitment experience.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, all PNMs and active members had to be tested for COVID-19 before attending Bid Day this past Sunday. McDermott unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19 and had to quarantine in the middle of recruitment and continue the process online through Zoom.
McDermott said her sister, Kaitlin, who is an active member of Phi Mu and helps run the sorority’s social media accounts encouraged her to take part in the process.
“I was actually very skeptical about joining a sorority up until a month or so ago,” McDermott said. I’m usually a very introverted person so rushing and Greek life is far outside of my comfort zone, but my sister really encouraged me to try it out.”
Before Bid Day, McDermott said she was most looking forward to Sisterhood night and Pref night.
“(I was) really interested in talking with the sororities about each house’s values and beliefs in a more in-depth conversation.,” she said.
McDermott is just one of the many PNMS who found their home last weekend.
The sisters were both ecstatic that she went Phi Mu, despite being quarantined half of the week. However, collectively, the Phi Mu sisters wouldn’t let COVID-19 ruin McDermott’s ’s bid day. All of the Phi Mu sisters showed up outside her window to let her know of the news, ensuring that she felt welcomed and included.
Looking back, McDermott said she wants to assure girls who want to do recruitment in the future that it is more fun than scary.
“For girls who want to rush in the future, I would suggest not to stress it too much. Just go into it being yourself, knowing who you are and what you stand for, and you’ll have a great time,” she said. “Don’t try to be someone you’re not! Trust the process that you’ll be matched with the right house, and you will be surrounded by a group of girls who will walk with you and support you for the next few years in college.”
Rain or shine, pandemic or not, Samford Greek life has created life-long friendships and memories that nobody will ever forget.
Staff Writer
