The New Member Experience

March 2020

Written by: Emily Logue

2020 MEMBER CLASS

Sixty-four of us ran home to ZTA this year! Formal Recruitment was one crazy week full of many emotions, schedules, and sore throats. We learned things about ourselves that we didn’t know we were capable of. Putting ourselves out there and finding the people that made us feel the most like ourselves was scary, but it was so worth it.

We couldn’t wait until it was Sunday of recruitment week. We just wanted to open our bids and find our place. Being able to finally open our envelopes was such a relief. Everything we went through finally paid off and we were so happy. When Panhellenic told us we could finally run to our banners hung up in the ballroom at the Virginia Tech Inn, it was absolute madness. Girls were sprinting all over the place and it was so exciting being able to see our pledge class together for the first time. We didn’t really know each other, but we were all hugging and screaming like we had been friends and sisters forever.

Bid Day, the best day, was everything we had hoped it would be and even more! Running up the hill on Oak Lane to the house was a feeling we’ll never forget. This year’s theme was “QUEEN OF THE HIVE.” Everyone was decked out in yellow and gold, and everything was honey-themed! For the new members, we had never felt so welcomed into a new environment before. We felt so accepted and wanted. Bid Day Video

Each new member had a different reason or reasons for why they chose ZTA. Here are some of them:

“I chose Zeta because I felt like I truly connected with the girls, not just on a superficial level. They were the most genuine and friendly people I have ever met, and it made my decision very easy.” - Abigail McCammon

“Zeta felt like home from the first day of rush and the second I saw Linzy Crawford’s face. No house made me feel so welcome or like

I belonged there the whole week like ZTA did. It was an easy choice.” – Emma Guido

“I choose Zeta because right away I knew I would be able to call it home. I had never felt so welcomed and accepted for who I was as a person, and I knew these girls would become my new family. Zeta gave me a place to explore who I am and the person I want to become.” - Nadia Farashahi

Personally, ZTA was the house I felt that I most belonged to from the start of recruitment. After open house, it was the only house I didn’t want to leave after walking through the door. Recruitment was an overwhelming experience that was truly eye-opening and exciting. I looked forward to going to the ZTA house because to me it felt like a breath of fresh air.

Our transition into ZTA was so easy. Our new member educator or “mom”, Sophie Lane (the best person in the world), made this so perfect for all of us.

“I’m so glad Sophie was our new member mom and now our friend,” Lauren Madey said. “She is such a ray of sunshine with a calming personality. Even when I knew the job was stressful, she always kept a smile on her face and kept a positive attitude! She’s done such a wonderful job helping us get to know each other and the rest of the girls as well as getting us acclimated to Zeta. She is absolutely one of the sweetest people ever and I can’t wait to get to know her even better!”

“I have had the most rewarding experience being there for our new members so far during their transition into Zeta,” Sophie said, “I have enjoyed each and every interaction I have had with all of them. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to grow close to them and to help them be their best selves! I have not met a group of women who get along like these 64 beautiful girls do. They became instant friends and I have loved watching them as they continue to build those strong friendships. I can’t wait to see what they all do in the future! They are so strong, supportive, smart and full of kind hearts and laughter. I love those girls so much and will always be there for them. I can’t wait for the rest of the memories I will make with them!”

One of my favorite things we have gotten to do as a new member class so far has been the new member sleepover. All sixty-four of us slept over at the ZTA house the night before initiation.

This was the first time we were able to really hang out with each other as a whole group and be able to form bonds with one another. We all shared things that have happened in our lives that have made us who we are today. Those stories allowed us to be vulnerable and transparent with each other, breaking down the walls that have helped us become so close.

Another exciting thing we got to do was the New Member Photoshoot. The members of the historian team planned a photoshoot for all of the new members right before Spring Break. We all were so excited and couldn’t wait to finally have good pictures together! It was such a fun experience because now that we have all gotten so close with one another, we were taking pictures with everyone! And the shoot went AMAZING!

We went to a nice neighborhood in Blacksburg and used the scenic views and streets as our backgrounds. We wore light-wash denim, white, cream, nude, and lighter shades of pink. It turned out so good!

We have all fallen in love with Zeta for many reasons, as anyone would:

“I love ZTA because everyone makes you feel like you’re at home and has known you forever.” – Caroline Broderick

“ZTA has helped me to find my people, it’s helped me to meet girls that I have clicked with better than anyone else.” – Karli Byrne

“Zeta sets the bar higher for all aspects of our college lives: In academics, in friendship, in service and in community. I have found my place that pushes me to be my best self while being surrounded by girls that are nothing close to ordinary. I am looking forward to the great opportunities in leadership, service and friendship ZTA will provide to me.” – Natalie Martin

“I love Zeta because the moment I stepped through the door I felt at home. I had an instant smile that couldn’t be wiped off my face. I have made lifelong friends in a matter of two months and I couldn’t ask for anything more. Zeta has not only given me true friends, but has also given me immense opportunities that I never could’ve imagined. I’m sad that this semester with Zeta got cut short, but next semester I’m excited to continue to build relationships in my pledge class and the ones above.” – Lexie Keener

Being a new member has been one of the greatest experiences of my life! We have all met so many people who we can easily say that they’re going to be our friends for life. It’s an exciting but also very overwhelming time. To all of the older girls in Zeta, we want to thank you for making this transition into something so big, so easy. Thank you for welcoming us into your family!