The Inside Scoop: 2018

The Inside Scoop is back! We sat down with our recruitment chair, Skylar Zembal, to give you an inside look at what recruitment looks like for Delta Zeta at the University of Alabama! ​​

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
S: My name is Skylar Zembal. I am from Maple Grove, MN and am a senior biology major on a pre- optometry track. My favorite thing about DZ is being able to be myself and feeling welcome every time I step into our house. I consider it my home away from home.

Q: What is your job as recruitment chair?
S: As recruitment chair, I am responsible for handing recruitment week as a whole. Because this position covers such a broad spectrum of duties I make sure that I know every little detail of each day of recruitment. As recruitment chair I make sure that I am a positive role model and leader for each girl in our house and I also ensure that each active and PNM get the best and most positive experience during recruitment.

Q: What are you most excited about this year’s recruitment?
S: Of course, I am most excited about having our new house. I am so excited for everyone to see and experience the new house and enjoy all the new things that come along with it. As a senior I am also excited to see how my final recruitment goes and I want to have an impact on my last recruitment and the new PNMS coming into our chapter. I am looking forward to experiencing my recruitment week as a senior active.

Q: What was your recruitment experience like?
S: I think my experience went very well even though I was from so far away. I didn’t know much about the recruitment process and looking back on that I think it was a blessing in disguise. I didn’t have any biased opinions, thoughts or persuasions to impact my decisions. I went into each house with an open mind and I finished recruitment exactly where I was meant to be. It was an eye-opening experience that I wouldn’t change for the world.

Q: What should PNMs know before recruitment week?
S: Every PNM should know that recruitment is a long week a lot of different emotions. Many things can happen throughout the week and it is important to go into recruitment with an open and positive mind. The more narrow minded you are, the less of an good experience you are going to have. Recruitment is one of the best parts of freshman (and even sophomore) year and recruitment should be nothing but exciting.

Q: What advice can you give PNMs on how to survive recruitment?
S: Make sure you are prepared for any type of weather!! That means carrying along an umbrella or preparing for extreme heat. I have experienced both and you want be ready for anything! Also, wear outfits you feel comfortable in. Each house has an array of seating options and you don’t want to be worrying about your outfit while trying to engage in a conversation. Lastly, be positive. From weather delays to running between house, recruitment should be a positive experience. Keep your mind open and let the week take you to your second home. Trust the process and know you’ll end up exactly where you should be! I promise.

​Q: If you could go back in time, what would you do differently during recruitment?
S: Not take things too personally. I know getting drop from that “favorite” house may seem like the end of the world but I promise at the end of the day everything happens for a reason. Also, to not overthink things! I would leave house thinking that I forgot to say this, or I didn’t tell them that but just know that they will like you for just being you!

Q: What do you wish you had known?
S: Being from so far away especially outside of the Greek world it never crossed my mind about wishing I had known one particular thing. After the first day, you learn a lot and you never know how each recruitment is going to play out. Just know that each house wants everyone to experience how great recruitment truly is.

Q: What are the top 5 things every PNM should have?

1. Sandals!! Wearing heels can get tiring and in between houses it was amazing being able to take them off and put on comfy shoes
2. A bag of things you’ll want to have. (make up, sandals, a hair brush, umbrella, etc.)
3. A notebook to write down notes about each house. Our rush is big and it’s easy to forget some things throughout the week you will want to remember.
4. Blotting pads/paper. This might sound funny but the days can get very hot!
5. An open mind and a positive attitude! ☺

"Recruitment is going to be one of the longest, most hectic, yet amazing weeks of your life! It’s something I will look back on when I think about my college experience. It teaches you a lot of life lessons that I still use in my life today. The week goes by fast so take it all in. You shouldn’t look back and have regrets. Most importantly have fun!! This week is all about being YOU. I love being a part of DZ recruitment because when planning the week, we try to put the PNMs completely first. This is about them and we want them to see how much we welcome each one of them into our house. As a DZ, we look for girls who are ambitious, kind, motivated and passionate about their future and being part of DZ and a sorority as a whole. Pledging DZ means knowing that a sorority does take commitment, but along the way the friendships you make here will last a lifetime. I have met girls in DZ who will be part of my life forever. DZ means growing as a woman and continuing to make yourself the best possible you. Being a DZ to me is more than just wearing our letters, but knowing I have a group of women who support me and will be there for me whenever I need someone. I am happy I can call Delta Zeta my home and be a part of this amazing sisterhood."

- Skylar Zembal PC '15