Nothin' Sweeter Than Georgia Peaches: My Big/Little Story

Running home to Bralin aka the best Big
in all Xi land

My Big and I have a very unique relationship bonded by something very close to our hearts. Our home. Not just our "home away from home", Alpha Xi Delta, but our home state of Georgia. Bralin and I both shared similar stories so naturally, when we met on Preference Night during Fall Recruitment at the University of Central Florida in 2013, the fact that we were both from Georgia came up. I immediately felt a connection with her because not only was she from Georgia, but she also came to UCF from out of state to a completely different world. She had experienced everything I was currently experiencing: homesickness, being away from friends and family, and just the general lonely feeling. I could really connect with her, and hearing her slight southern twang made me feel at home.

That night after Preference Rounds, I had no hesitation when writing Alpha Xi Delta as my #1 choice and I was completely sure that the next day I would be running home to them, and I did. After all the chaotic Bid Day activities died down, we went inside the house to Bralin's room. A huge group of us went back and we got our special Bid Day bags with tons of goodies and Bralin gave me something special... I had no idea what it was when I saw the grocery bag. I looked inside and saw a peach. A Georgia Peach. I wanted to cry; it was such a simple gesture and she had no idea how much it meant to me. 

I was completely and utterly ecstatic with everything that was going on. Being a new member was one of the best times of my collegiate career (NMs- don't take it for granted!), but one of the weeks - Big/Little week - will always be a strong memory. The week leading up to Big/Little week all of the New Members went on "dates" with sisters who were potentially taking a Little. Unfortunately, Bralin and I were never paired up, but my choice never wavered. When the time came to create our Big/Little lists, Bralin was #1.

Bralin gets her paddle!

That night after our lists were made, the Bigs and Littles were paired and all Littles were surprised with treats the same exact night! I was in no way prepared for everything that was going to happen during that week! Bralin gave me all sorts of clues and treats throughout the week to make me think that she wasn't my Big. She gave me clues like "I grew up in Florida", "Curly hair runs in my family", and other things that didn't seem like Bralin at all! All week I was freaking out because I thought that on Friday when we ran home and found our Bigs, I wouldn't find Bralin.

The day of Big/Little Reveal, I went to a grocery store and got a fresh peach, just in case Bralin WAS my Big. I knew if she was, it would mean just as much to her as it did when she gave it to me.
After all the searching on that Friday, I finally ran home into my Big's arms... Bralin! You can see the video here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201120670672034&l=7597589781169387337.

I gave her the peach and ever since then it's sort of been our thing. My Big's paddle was even in the shape of a peach!

Big, Twin, and Sibling

Big/Little Reveal

Our relationship has definitely grown throughout the past year and I can't wait to see it blossom even more. My entire lineage is so amazing and are all inspirational women; I love every single one of them more than they know! I know that whenever there is a problem, something is bothering me or I just need someone to go grab Sunday brunch with, I can count on any of these ladies. It's not just four years, it's for life! TFJ, XiLAM, and all that jazz <3=

Sorority Recruitment Do's and Dont's

Last year in August, I went through sorority recruitment as a potential new member. This year, I will be on the inside as a sister of one of the chapters. Some girls (myself included) go through rush with no idea what to wear, what to say, or what is going on. Sure, the Panhellenic council makes a website, but that only helps so much. I've compiled a little list of do's and don'ts that may help!

DO: Get recommendation letters, if possible. Ask any Greek alumni you or your family and friends may know who belong to chapters at the school you are rushing at to send a letter. These letters can be especially helpful with schools that have massive Greek life (think SEC/ACC), but never really hurt your chances. If push comes to shove and you don't know anyone Greek, post on this page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/270665629731083/
There are helpful people who would be willing to write you a letter if you send them a resume and provide some background information!

DON'T: Come into rush with the mindset of "I'm only rushing chapter XYZ" or "I'm NOT rushing chapter XYZ" because that mindset will get you let down quickly. Many girls who go through the recruitment process thinking those things are crushed when XYZ doesn't invite them back for the next round. Some even drop recruitment altogether. Don't let that be you because, as the rounds go on, you learn more about each chapter and there may be something that causes you to fall in love with a chapter you didn't like all that much in the beginning. Be completely open to all of the chapters; each one has something special to offer you!

DO: Talk to your group leader (Rho Gamma, Pi Chi, etc.) about your thoughts throughout the whole recruitment process. Many group leaders hand out little notebooks where you can write your thoughts in after you visit each house. These are especially handy when you are going back and forth between house and things get confusing. They're especially fun to read through after the process is finished! Write out a Pro's and Con's between each sorority and be realistic. 

DON'T: Be afraid to ask questions. You want to know if they have a payment plan? Ask! Asking questions makes you look like you are genuinely interested in the sorority. The sisters will definitely remember that during the final days when they are torn in their own selection process. I remember when I went through recruitment, I would ask a question during a dead conversation. It helped to avoid awkward pauses.

DO: Dress for the weather and bring makeup and a comb for touchups throughout the day. Comfort is very important because if you are comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, that's going to show! During recruitment, my outfits got progressively dressier. Throughout the week I wore a romper, cute shorts and tank, two sundresses, and a cocktail dress for preference night. I went through rush at the University of Central Florida in the middle of summer!

Throughout the whole process, there will be times when you will question if the whole thing is for you. If you are having any doubts, speak to your group leaders (that's what they're there for). I think everyone can make the most out of going Greek and recruitment was honestly one of the best experiences of my collegiate career so far. When you're running home after opening your bid card... that's when you'll know. GO GREEK! RUSH! LILP <3

Kelsey

November OOTD

Now that November is here and cold weather is sure to follow, it's time to find some cute cold weather outfits!  I personally feel like it's easier to dress cute during fall and winter.  I absolutely adore layers, scarves, and boots.  I have two go-to looks when it comes to dressing for cold weather.

The first look is pretty casual and comfortable.  I am a huge fan of basic pieces with fun accessories and layers.  Throw on a white tee, some black leggings, and a fun cardigan!  I'm seeing patterned cardigans everywhere, and I am obsessed with this trend.  As you would have expected, I would of course throw on some cute boots and a scarf!  Quick, comfy, cute!

OOTD post 3 by samantha-katherine-bender featuring t shirts

The second outfit is a little dressier.  Chambray shirts are the perfect piece for any season.  Pair it with some khakis for a cute, classy look.  Take advantage of the season by adding a beautiful quilted vest, fabulous riding boots, and a fun scarf.  I'm a sucker for leopard print, so this was the perfect pattern for me when envisioning this outfit.

OOTD post by samantha-katherine-bender featuring 7 for all mankind skinny jeans

What are your favorite cold weather outfits?

Switching to Fall Formal Recruitment

This year my school decided to change our recruitment up a little bit. In previous years we had spring formal recruitment or deferred recruitment. This meant that students with less than 12 hours could not go through any form of recruitment formal or informal until their second semester of college. This gave students a chance to get themselves situated on campus for an entire semester and make friends outside and inside of Greek life before they decided to join.

Don't you love fall? Photo found here.

The decision to switch to a different time of recruitment was based on a lot of factors. Numbers played a role because ultimately people were very excited to join in the fall and so it's important to catch those people before they decided not to join. By switching to fall formal recruitment we gained about 100+ potential new members at the start of formal recruitment from the numbers we had the previous spring. This made all the classes of new members much larger than they would have been if we had done spring formal recruitment.

It wasn't an easy switch though. There were many questions that came along with it such as grade point averages, the size of the classes, and the switch in general. It wasn't easy financially because of the fact that we had to prepare for back to back formal recruitments. It wasn't easy mentally because that is a lot to go through for a class that has just been initiated a few months back, or for the classes that had to go through two formal recruitments on the sorority side in a row.

Ultimately it was well worth it in the end. Was it difficult/nerve-wracking/hard to deal with? Yes. Was it amazing/lovely/earth-shakingly great? Yes. As organizations we have to be willing to move and shake with the times. It was definitely a hard thing to deal with, but in the end I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world.

Photo credit to my lovely sister, Christina H.

Finally, my advice to you if your school is planning to switch to formal recruitment in the fall: go for it. It can seem daunting or nerve-wracking but it is honestly such a great experience. The transition is going to be an icky time period but the ends will justify the means in this situation!