Dear (soon to be) PC ’18,

The time has finally come; recruitment is right around the corner and what we have been preparing for all summer is so close. Tri Delta has been planning and preparing ourselves for this week, and most importantly for you. We hope you come into this week as excited to meet us as we are you. We know how you are feeling; so many anxious thoughts about if we will like your outfits or if you’re going to say the right things. Just take a deep breath, because we promise everything will work in your favor, no matter which house becomes your home. By the end of this blog post we hope that some of these nerves go away, and are replaced with excitement about finding your forever home.

We are Tri Delta’s new member education duo, and all summer not only have we been impatiently waiting for recruitment, but we have also been waiting for the time we will spend with PC ’18. Throughout the new member education process, we will have the chance to get to know each other on a deeper level, and provide so much more information about Tri Delta that makes us unique from other chapters. As new members, PC ’18 will experience some of the greatest moments of the entire Tri Delta journey. Receiving a big, having a sleepover with all of PC ‘18, and finally being initiated as a member are just a few of the most memorable moments that will be shared between us. Although these are some of the main journeys we will embark on together, we are here solely for you. We will be a shoulder to cry on, a mentor, a support system, and most importantly a sister who’s main goal is to keep you safe and happy as you begin college. Tri Delta is not about testing your knowledge on our rituals and facts, it is about growing together as sisters.

We are ecstatic to guide PC ’18 through the first semester of their Tri Delta and college experience. Being away from home for the first time can be daunting, but we are here to be like extended family. We may occasionally act like a mom, but we promise our intentions are to keep you safe and sound (just like our own moms do for us). With that being said, we hope you feel as confident in your decision to go Greek as we do. Going Greek has given us both a home away from home, and made this new journey so much more bearable. We cannot wait to watch our beautiful new members grow from pearls to pines. With all of this being said, we already have so much love for PC ’18 and can’t wait for our newest members to experience what being a part of Tri Delta’s sisterhood is all about.

With Delta Love,

Shannon Miller (New Member Educator) and

Haley Hughes (New Member Educator Assistant)

Hello lovelies! As president of this amazing chapter, I am beyond excited that you have decided, or are considering, going through recruitment here at SFA! My college experience has been a rollercoaster – many ups and downs, but the one thing that has remained constant is the love and support that surrounds me in Tri Delta. One of my sisters (and bff for life) always describes Tri Delta as “the cherry on top” of her life’s ice cream sundae and I could not have said it better myself.

When I decided to register for recruitment nearly 3 years ago, I never imagined I would be where I am today. I was a big ball of excitement and nerves when Day One rolled around, and by Day Two I had no idea how I was going to decide between the row full of houses that are all unique and have something to offer. It was Day Three, aka Preference Night, when I knew that Tri Delta was where I wanted to call home.  

That night, I remember looking around me and seeing a group of people so different from one another who were unified by their passion for Tri Delta and its values. It was overwhelmingly clear that they loved each other, Tri Delta, and the ideals that this sorority stands for. They were all brave, bold, beautiful, and kind women who dedicated their time and energy to the betterment of each other, the sorority, and their wonderful philanthropic partner, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They held the ideals of sisterhood high and they steadfastly loved one another through the highest highs and lowest lows.

Not only did they have these great ideals and passions, but they were so eager to share Tri Delta and the amazing experience of being a Panhellenic woman with me. It was true then, and the same is true now 3 years later. I have felt the same sense of happiness, relief, love, security, and acceptance every day since I ran home to my sisters for the first time on bid day. This chapter has given me leadership experience and skills through officer positions, connections, memories, and the most genuine, love-filled friendships I have ever had. It humbles me to serve a chapter that aims to fill each day with truth, self-sacrifice, and friendship. Not only that, but I am so relieved to know that I have found the women that will be my friends and sisters for the rest of my life. I am so proud to call myself a Tri Delta woman and be a part of something that is so much greater than myself. I love this chapter and its members with all of my heart and I can’t wait to meet all of you and share with you the joy that is being a Tri Delta woman.  

Delta Love,

Madison Hunsucker

Chapter President

Looking back to four summers ago when I was getting ready to leave for college and start this exciting new chapter the nerves really started to kick in. I was so nervous to go through recruitment, start school away from my friends and family, and actually get on my own two feet and start having some independence. Looking back, choosing to participate in recruitment is what gave me the head start to being successful in college. Without my sisters there is no way I could have made it to the place I am as a senior this year. If there is anything I could say to myself as the girl about to join a sorority, it would be to RELAX! Recruitment is the easy part.

Last year I had the awesome opportunity to be a rho gamma, and the summer before that I was still affiliated with Tri Delta during recruitment. So if anyone has some advice on how to survive and thrive during this process I’m your girl! First things first, utilize your rho gammas! These girls are here for your every need during recruitment. We are your shoulder to cry on, person to laugh with, and Nacogdoches/SFA recommendation queens. Basically they will be your mom for the week. I formed such great relationships with my group of girls. We love it when you need us and ask us questions, it is literally our job to help you! Another great thing about having your two rho gammas, is you are put with a group of girls going through the exact same thing as you! My best friends freshman year ended up being two girls in my group, even though we didn’t end up in the same chapter which is totally okay! But it is always a little comforting knowing that someone in your group will maybe one day be your sister!!  

At Convocation you will receive more details, but when you head to the row for your parties there is one thing you really need with you…. Survival bag. I’m talking deodorant, lipstick, oil blotting sheets, perfume, SNACKS, your entire makeup bag if you need it. Nacogdoches weather can be hot and sticky sometimes and you gotta be prepared. Next on the list is to let the nerves go. All of the girls in each chapter are just as nervous as you. Everyone is putting their best foot forward and trying to make a good impression! Just relax and be yourself and everything will fall into place. Take the time to get to know each house and the girls in it, ask questions, and talk about yourself too! If there is any time to dwell into the details of your life, now is the time.

I know this time can be a little crazy, but these will be memories you will always look back. Trust me, it will be so worth it!! Next thing you know you could be me as a senior participating in your last recruitment.

Delta Love,

Ellie O’Connor