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