Hello,

My name is Emilie Mijares, and I am overly stoked to be this year's upcoming Vice President of Recruitment for the PC class of 2026!

Below is advice and tips to getting through your first year of college! Trust me. I have been in your shoes. I wanted to start by giving you perfect tips of how to go about your first week of classes. The word "first week" says it for itself. The first word that comes to mind is scary, but after reading below, I guarantee you will feel a little less stressed and a little more excited!

Enjoy!

XOXO,

Emilie Mijares

First Week of Classes? Here’s How to Survive (and Actually Enjoy) It

Hello and welcome to cnu! The first week of classes is upon us and it might feel like an overwhelming surge of emotions and activities from new professors, new classes, new routines, and to some a few nerves. Whether it is your first year on campus or your last first day, I’ve found some tips that I use to make myself feel confident, calm, and ready to take on the new semester!

Start your day with something that ground you

Whether it’s a quick walk, a playlist that hypes you up, journaling for a few minutes, or taking a deep breath, finding a simple ritual that gets you out of bed and in the right mindset before you leave your room can make all the difference.

*RC tip: Some Recruitment Counselors live by affirmations. Try “I can handle anything that comes my way today.”

Don’t skip the syllabus (seriously)

While it may be tempting to gloss over, or completely skip, the syllabus, it is the road map to your classes. Highlight important dates and assignments to put into your calendar, office hours and attendance policies now, so you’re not scrambling or nervous later.

*RC tip: almost all of your Recruitment Counselors live and breathe through their google calendar, plug all your exam dates and major assignments into your calendar as soon as you’re able. Future you will thank you!

Use a planner or digital calendar

Even if you aren’t a “planner or calendar person,” having a visual of your days and weeks helps to manage and budget your time better, especially if you’re juggling classes, work, panhellenic events, or taking time to adjust to college life.

*RC tip: try color coding your calendar: one color for each class, one for personal time, one for panhellenic events

Ask questions early

If you’re confused about something, speak up! I know it can be hard as many people do not like to look like they are not following the content, but that is what your professors are there for! Whether it is emailing your professoring, going to office hours, or asking a classmate, utilize all of your resources! It's normal to feel unsure when handling different content and topics, no one expects you to be perfect at everything!

*RC tip: go to office hours! It has saved many of your RC’s lives to simply go and talk an issue out with your professor. This time also allows you to get to know your professors and create bonds that will help you in the future! CNU has some of the best professors, so use that time to keep them busy and chat it up!!

Fuel your body and take breaks

This seems super simple and self explanatory, but make sure you are taking care of yourself! Grab a snack, stay hydrated, and make time for rest between classes. It can be easy to forget the basics when you're caught up in creating new routines, hanging out with friends, and juggling coursework, but your energy and mental and physical health is your greatest tool!

*RC tip: carry a water bottle and snack with you!

Connect with someone new

Say hi to the people sitting next to you, ask someone to grab coffee after class, or check in with your RC or a sister of any sorority. College is full of new beginnings. You never know when a quick conversation could turn into a lifelong friendship.

*RC tip: message and meet up with your RC! They are so excited to meet you and help you in any way they can! Whether it is talking about classes and friends studying together, to going with you to the next panhellenic event!

Give yourself grace

It's okay if things are a little overwhelming or if your schedule isn’t perfect yet. You're learning and adjusting, growth takes time. This fresh start is a win all on its own

RC reminder: you are not behind. You are just getting started!

Bonus: keep an eye out for panhellenic events!

There will be fun welcoming events, such as greekstock, events where you can meet chapters, such as pre-recruitment events, and info sessions! Whether you’re thinking about recruitment or just curious about Greek Life, come say hi! You are always welcome.

You got this! From the panhellenic community to you: we’re cheering you on, every step of the way!

XOXO,

Emilie

Finding the perfect balance

Starting the new semester means new classes, friends, and new opportunities. And recruitment adds another layer of exciting chapters to your life. But, it's natural to be overwhelmed and wonder: how do I balance school, Greek life commitments, personal time, and everything in between? The truth is, finding the perfect balance is possible with intentionality and planning. Here are some tips that the Panhellenic Council uses to help them succeed!

Put Academics First

It's the reason you're here! While having an active social life is vital in college, it's also essential to prioritize your schoolwork. All of our seven amazing chapters value strong students and often provide resources to help you succeed in classes, study rooms, and tutoring from sisters who took the same class before. Use a calendar or planner to map our assignments, important deadlines, exams, and budget study hours. By putting your schoolwork first, you'll feel less overwhelmed and more present in your social life!

2. Manage commitments with Intention

Greek life is full of growth opportunities, from chapter meetings to philanthropy events to leadership roles. It's exciting and fun, but it can also eat away at your calendar fast. Be honest with yourself about how much you can commit 100% of yourself to. Don't be afraid to communicate with chapter members if you're overwhelmed! Supporting you is what Greek life is about! Remember, the quality of involvement is more valuable than biting off more than you can chew.

3. Protect Your Personal Time

It can be easy to get swept away in the constant activity, but downtime is just as significant. Whether it's hitting the gym, reading a book, or Facetiming your loved ones. Make sure you are carving out time for personal moments that will recharge you mentally, emotionally, and physically. Even saying 'no' on occasion is healthy! Balance means catering to your needs, too!

4. Stay Organized Across All Commitments

Balancing school, Greek life, jobs, and other campus clubs can be stressful. Tools like Google Calendar, color-coding planners, or to-do lists can help you visualize everything in one place. Breaking tasks into smaller steps and setting reminders will help you ensure that nothing sneaks up on you.

5. Remember You're Not Alone

Every chapter member was once where you are right now, trying to figure out the perfect balance for their lives. Lean on the advice of the sisters you speak to. Sorority life is about support and growth, and everyone in Greek life wants you to succeed inside and out of our community!

Lastly, Recruitment is the start of a fantastic journey! It's not a sprint. Through prioritizing school, managing commitments, and taking care of yourself, you'll not only balance everything, but you will enjoy the best of everything!

XOXO,

Emilie

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

With midterms coming up, it is important to take care of yourself and take advantage of the resources CNU provides. Between academics, social life, and other time commitments, it's easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed. College can be an exciting time but sometimes challenging. That's why it is so important to prioritize your mental health. It's okay to not be okay and to need extra help, so here are some tips and resources CNU provides!

Resident Assistant or RA
1. Sometimes talking to someone who is around your age that understands your experience can make all the difference. Your RA is trained to connect and support you with a listening ear and guidance in a judge free zone. Panhellenic Council and chapter members can also be an informal support system! You are not alone in what you’re feeling!
2. From having facilitated conversations to asking for advice, your RAs are here to listen and provide guidance! Contact your RA through captains connect!
Counseling services:
1. Counseling services is a free service where you can share your feelings. They provide an unbiased source where they provide confidential support for anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues and more. Don’t hesitate to set up an apportionment! Seeking out help can prevent future challenges from arising. Contact counseling service through calling (757) 594-7047 or email ocs@cnu.edu.
Online and App Resources
1. If you are too busy or do not want to talk with someone at CNU, there are many different apps that support mental health:
  1. Headspace and calm: lead you through guided meditations and help with relieving stress
  2. Mindfulness apps: have grounding exercises and daily check-ins
Create habits to help your mental health
1. Everyone has different needs when it comes to mental health. Focus on finding out what works best to help your brain calm down. Activities such as journaling your feelings to let them out, meditating, exercise, talking with friends, or reading a book. It is so important to recognize your limits and give yourself permission to rest and give yourself some TLC!

Remember: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Taking care of yourself includes your mental health! Panhellenic Council supports you and your mental wellbeing! Don’t hesitate to reach out, many sisters are ready to lend a helping hand and listen when you need it most!

XOXO,

Emilie

How to Stay Grounded and Grow During Formal Recruitment

Recruitment weekend is upon us! This is such an exciting time, but it can also be a lot. From new faces, long days, and big feelings, it can be overwhelming! Taking the time to take care of yourself isn’t just allowed, it's essential. Self-care matters, especially going into such a big event. PNMs often think recruitment is about going 25/7, but chapters want to meet the real, authentic you. When you’re rested and centered, you communicate with more confidence, kindness, and clarity. Follow these five steps to make sure that you are 100% your best self during recruitment.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Bring a water bottle and keep it with you through the whole weekend. While waiting for rounds to start and in between chapters, take sips to ensure that you are getting enough hydration.

2. Protect Your Sleep

I know it can be very exciting, and you might want to discuss things with friends, but it is so important to sleep. Aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep will help your mental and physical health during recruitment!

3. Fuel Your Body

Recruitment is not the week to run on caffeine and adrenaline. Taking the time to fuel your body with nutrient foods will help you mood and energy levels. Try eating breakfast with protein, such as yogurt, eggs, or oatmeal, bring snacks you can eat in between rounds, such as granola bars and trail mix, and eat lunches that won’t make you crash.

4. Protect Your Peace

It is normal to feel overwhelmed, but comparison is the thief of joy. Try turning off YikYak and Instagram, focus on your experience, not how others' schedules are different from yours, and use your RC as a resource if you need support (it's what they are here for!!)

You are not being evaluated on perfection; you are connecting with women who want to know you. Take care of your mind and body, and your confidence will follow!

XOXO,

Emilie

Recruitment 101

Recruitment can be a scary or overwhelming experience. You may have heard or seen different experiences or stereotypes about what formal recruitment entails, or maybe you are going in blind. When I was a freshman, I went through formal recruitment, and I went in not knowing a single thing about Greek Life. I mainly based my ideas around it from movies and tv shows. However, this experience was one of the most impactful, rewarding, and exciting experiences of my college career. Below is important information about recruitment:

During sisterhood and preference rounds conversations will get longer and the amount of chapters you return to will decrease throughout the mutual selection process. I know for those of us that are more introverted (myself included!), this can be a little bit out of your comfort zone. Just remember that these women are so excited to get to know you and are nervous themselves! They are looking for potential sisters that embody the values of their organization - this can come in all different personality types from super outgoing to more shy! As cliche as it sounds, the most important thing is to be yourself! The process is designed in a way that works for all different kinds of women, helping to match them in the organization that is best fit for them!

What is formal recruitment:

Formal recruitment is held during the first two weeks of the spring semester. The event takes place over the course of three days. Throughout the weekend, you rank each chapter after each day, in which you dwindle down your choices. Here is a breakdown of each round with what happens, what to expect, goals and conversation starts.

2. Philanthropy Round:

This is the first day of recruitment weekend, where you meet with all seven chapters. Each round is 15 minutes and conversations are centered around philanthropy and service initiatives.
You can expect conversations about your personal service, philanthropy events, and how each chapter serves the community.
Your goal during this round should be to find a service that makes you excited and what you connect with!
Questions to ask sisters:
- What is your favorite philanthropy event your chapter puts on?
- What does your philanthropy mean to you?
- What ways do you sisters get involved in service and philanthropy?

3. Sisterhood Round:

This is the second day of recruitment weekend, where you meet with up to five chapters. Each round is 30 minutes and conversations are about sisterhood and values.
You can expect conversations about sisters personal connections, values they hold dear, and connection-based conversations.
Your goal during this round should be to find a sisterhood that makes your feel comfortable, included, and if their values align with who you are and what you hold dear!
Questions to ask sisters:
- What values do you think are the most important?
- What is your favorite sisterhood event that your chapter throws?
- How did you know your sisterhood was your home?
- What are your favorite things about your sisters?
- What leadership opportunities does your chapter have?

4. Preference Round:

This is the last day of recruitment weekend, where you meet with up to two chapters. Each round is an hour and conversations are going to be deeper as the chapters are trying to get to know you on a deeper level.
You can expect conversations about sister's personal connections and emotional stories.
Your goal during this round should be asking yourself if you could see yourself in this sisterhood for the next four years and for life!
Questions to ask sisters:
- How has tour sorority experience helped you grow as a person?
- How has being in your chapter helped you become a better leader?
- What is a challenge your sisters have helped you overcome?
- What have you gained from your time in your chapter?

Remember there is no ‘right way’ to feel after each round, your journey is your own. It’s important that you remember that chapters are recruiting based on who you are! Reflect on what values you hold and what you would want your future sisterhood to value as well!

XOXO,

Emilie