Recruitment 2011: Perspective of a New Member

My name is Kaitlyn Corbin and I am one of Maryland Gamma’s new members! Before I tell you a bit about my recruitment experience, I figure some background information is necessary. I went to an all girls’ high school in New York City. In coming to Hopkins I was definitely looking for a group of girlfriends who would be there for me whenever I needed them. I was also looking for a solid support group of upper classmen who knew the ins and outs of JHU to help me as I navigate my way through freshman year and beyond. Obviously, the prospect of joining Greek Life at Hopkins was appealing.

At noon on one dreary Saturday morning, many of us Hopkins’ girls gathered in Charles Commons for what would be one of the most stressful weeks I’ve had at Hopkins. We began sorority recruitment. Despite all of the stress, it was one of the most fun weeks I have had here! Along with the rest of our Rho Gamma groups, we went to and from each sorority’s parties, learning more about their values and their unique presence on campus. We met both sisters and potential new members along the way. After each day we marked whom we liked and as we got further into recruitment, the number of sororities that we visited became smaller and we got a deeper glimpse into what makes each sorority unique at Hopkins and as a national chapter.

After 3 very long days it was Bid Night. All of the girls gathered in the Glass Pavilion dressed in white. Small envelopes with each ladies’ bids were pasted behind their chairs. After some ceremony (which to be honest, I wasn’t paying much attention to) the moment came for us to open our bids and go meet our new sisters. I ripped open my bid envelope to find the Pi Beta Phi symbol and immediately felt a rush of emotion. I really cannot describe the feeling more than incredible excitement. Finally, through all the commotion, I made it to the group of Pi Phis jumping and singing to welcome all of the new members to the Pi Phi family.

  Bid night was something to remember. Fashion shows, dance routines, and eating cake at midnight definitely can bring a group of girls together. It’s super hard not to feel a connection to people after dancing like fools to Miley Cyrus!  At multiple points in the night, I realized that I hadn’t had this much fun with a group of girls (not to mention girls I had just met) since my best friends in high school. The bond was instant and I know that things are only going to get better from here. I can honestly say that I am so proud to be part of Maryland Gamma’s Alpha Class. In one night I made practically 60 new friends, now sisters, and the best way of describing this feeling was “coming home.” 

New members and old celebrate together

New Members Ally Tanzola, Kaitlyn Corbin, Emily Rosenberg (left to right))

          

Still in the Glass Pav, directly after receiving their bids