By Hannah Carter (Beta Eta, Florida State University)
As a traveling chapter consultant, no two days are entirely alike. Today, I woke up in the guest room of the Delta Psi house at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Knowing we’re immersed in pre-recruitment season, I quickly got ready for the day. More importantly, I got caffeinated. I should make an effort to visit local coffee shops, but I need the predictability of one true constant in life: a grande iced vanilla latte from Starbucks. I walked through the crisp, coastal air to pick up my mobile order, and I felt prepared for day two of pre-recruitment at Delta Psi.
The day began with breakfast and TikToks and laughter about one another’s Adam Sandler themed outfits. To settle into the day, the recruitment team held a chapter-wide workshop on recruitment conversations. Chapter members learned the importance of authentic connections with potential new members, and sisters practiced values-based conversations with one another. Additionally, we empowered the chapter to navigate sensitive or difficult conversations with confidence during recruitment.
Following our conversation workshop, the chapter transitioned into practice for round one, also known as Open House Round, of recruitment. We intentionally practiced logistics, timing, conversations and other important aspects of the process. The recruitment team strategically observed practice rounds to make adjustments and provide feedback to chapter members. It’s so rewarding to watch chapter leaders take the initiative to guide and mentor their members through recruitment!
When I needed a midday pick-me-up, lunch came just in time. While I ate my turkey burger, fries and the most decadent chocolate chip cookie, I caught up with some chapters in my portfolio. Whether they need risk management resources or a check-in on their sisterhood retreat plan, I make it a priority to stay connected with my chapters, no matter where I’m located.
After lunch, the chapter participated in an engaging sisterhood event based on the viral card game We’re Not Really Strangers. I love seeing chapters nurture their bond, especially during pre-recruitment. In the afternoon, chapter members attended a diversity, equity and inclusion workshop hosted by UCSB Panhellenic while I connected with the Gamma Omicron chapter at Marshall University on a virtual coaching meeting. We celebrated their recent successful Bid Day and planned for positive sisterhood experiences this semester. When Delta Psi chapter members returned, they were dismissed to enjoy their evening after quick reminders about the next day’s activities.
After the day concluded, I had a meeting with Delta Psi’s VP risk management to connect about Bid Day safety and upcoming events this quarter. Afterwards, I got an acai bowl from a local shop and took the 15-minute walk from the chapter facility to Campus Point Beach. UC Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve seen!
I said goodnight to the Pacific Ocean and walked back to the Delta Psi house to wind down for the evening. After responding to my best friend’s daily voice memo and chatting with my mom on FaceTime, I overheard laughter in the living room. As I went to say goodnight to the chapter members, we descended into conversation about middle school obsessions, crime documentaries and comparisons between growing up in California versus Tennessee. As a traveling consultant, I have endless opportunities to develop professionally, practice public speaking, solve problems, think strategically … you name it. But the greatest benefit is the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with collegians across the nation. While my days look different, I hold onto that constant bond of sisterhood everywhere I go.