19 Party creates camaraderie, kinship for nervous recruits

They’ve met with their Rho Gamma, reviewed dress codes, received schedules, talked with women in greek houses and filled out all their personal information.

Though nerves are high, freshmen roommates Amanda Ytterberg and Leah Wechter said they find great comfort in having each other. They will be rushing together, alongside many of the girls living on their floor.

“I thought rushing would be a good opportunity to meet people and make new friends,” Ytterberg said. “But I don’t know what exactly is going to happen. It’s been good to have someone else to always talk about it with.”

In all the excitement that’s slowly being replaced with uncertainty, these girls, and the rest of their floor, haven’t lost sight of the bonding that takes place during recruitment.

“There are a lot of girls on our floor rushing, and that makes it easier,” Wechter said. “I think I’d feel a lot different if there weren’t as many girls. Since there are, we sort of all have the same feelings and worries.”

Such friendship and support aren’t limited to the potential new recruits.

On the other side of things, senior Lindsey Hougland, recruitment chairwoman for Chi Omega, said sisterhood is important during the stressful weeks of recruitment.

“Everyone has to work together in order for the process to go smoothly and end up successful,” Hougland said. “It can be really tiring. There is so much to do and prepare. It definitely takes everyone.”

The first party — and the subsequent parties that will follow in early January — provides each chapter with the opportunity for all the members to be together. No one is distracted with tests, extra-curricular commitments, relationships or parties.

“It’s a whole weekend together. Spending such a long amount of time together working for the same goal definitely brings us closer,” Hougland said. “I think this is more exciting on our part because we’re meeting all the girls, we know what to expect.”

In a broader sense, Hougland said recruitment brings the entire greek community together.

The friendships made during recruitment don’t end there. Houghland said just because women pledge different houses, or sometimes not at all, doesn’t mean the friendship is done.

“Bonding with other people, even if you don’t end up in the same place, sort of makes the greek community stronger.” Hougland said. “You’ll know other people.”

And though she’ll be competing for shower stalls, sinks and counter space with all the other women who are rushing Saturday, Wechter maintains a similar mindset.

“I assume it’s going to be really crazy with all of us trying to get ready and out the door,” Wechter said. “But I don’t look at this as a competition. I don’t see them as people I’m competing against, even though we technically are. They’re still my friends in the end.”