My view: Stop hating on our generation!

Is sorority life for me? Part 3

Recruitment is upon us! Hopefully Part 1 and Part 2 have helped you consider whether sorority life is for you, but really you will never know until recruitment week. Here’s 5 easy tips for recruitment:

Sign up!: The first step is to actually register for your school’s recruitment. Typically you can sign-up online through your university, but if you’re in doubt, contact your school’s office of student affairs. Some schools have deferred, or winter, recruitment and might not be accepting new members until next semester. The best way to see if sorority life is right for you is to check it out yourself. You’ll never know until you try!

Question: During recruitment, ask pointed questions to show your interest and to help you gain insight into sorority life. Ask the women why they chose to go Greek and what their favorite parts of being in Sorority X are. Tell them what you hope to get out of your college experience and ask how Greek life can fit into that. They will not only be impressed that you’re taking the initiative to find out more about their house, but from the responses you can help gauge whether it’s the right house for you.

Mix and mingle: DO try to meet as many women as possible from a variety of sororities. Sororities are mosaics of very different women – get to know them! Even if you don’t end up going to their house, making friendly connections makes for a stronger Greek system. DON’T make decisions based on what your friends are doing – it’ll only lead to trouble down the road.

Put the best you forward: Go into recruitment as you would a job interview or meeting your boyfriend’s parents. You don’t have to wear a pantsuit, but try to look classy. Dark-wash bootcut jeans look good on everyone along with some dressy sandals or cute flats. A nice blouse (one that’s not too tight or shows a lot of boob-age) will do the trick, or a flowy sundress.

Remember the commitment: My sorority house always had a bulletin board that said, “Not four years, but for life.” Remember that joining a sorority is a lifelong commitment. These women will stand by you throughout college and also 25 years from now when your first child is going off to college. If you don’t feel like this is something for you, do not join. Nothing can hurt a sisterhood more than losing a member.

When in doubt, trust your gut. Smile. Try new things. You’ll be glad you did.

Stephanie Hardiman is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM). She is a proud alumna of Washington and Lee University and Pi Beta Phi. Follow her on Twitter @Steph_Hardiman.

State Fairs: Fun for everyone, and just ’round the corner!

I’ve wanted to go to the Illinois State Fair for years. I was never involved in 4-H, giant ears of corn excite me about as much as the next person and I don’t have an over-average love for fair food. BUT STILL. I’ve always wanted to go.

Starting this month and extending for the next few weeks, state fairs all over the country will be taking place.

Not only can you partake in tons of yummy fair food (split a dish with someone, and don’t go overboard ‘cuz these babies pack on the calories. But a little treat now and then won’t do you harm) but an evening at the fair includes fun rides, attractions and, here’s what I’m talking about: CONCERTS, often for a lot less than Ticketmaster’s going to charge you at the convention center.

Find your state fair here and while we’re at it, I’ve listed some of the things I’d go to see if I had to take a state fair road trip:

Indiana: This kindof makes me want to vomit, but still I’m intrigued. This family started selling chocolate-covered bacon at last year’s fair, and this year they’ve pulled out all the stops: a hamburger patty sandwiched between two doughnuts. Check it out here.

Oregon: Who doesn’t love buff men chopping wood? In the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS series, lumberjacks show off their moves chopping more wood than a wood chuck could chuck. It’s a 3-day event aired on ESPN ending in the crowning of the world champ!

New York: In Syracuse, they have one of the best concert line-ups I’ve seen. Aerosmith, Rihanna, Justin Bieber (if you’re into that kind of thing), Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts are going to be there crooning to fans. There’s something for everyone, and the only problem would be getting tickets to every.single.one.

Tennessee: If you’ve never been to a demolition derby, you’ve never lived. This one in Nashville looks promising. We’ve all had bouts of road rage where we wish we could smash our car into that guy with the blinker on who’s going 10 miles under the speed limit. Live vicariously through these guys as they battle each other.

Summer is almost over – get out and enjoy it while it lasts!

Stephanie Hardiman is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM). She is a proud alumna of Washington and Lee University and Pi Beta Phi. Follow her on Twitter @Steph_Hardiman.

Is sorority life for me? Part 2

The start of school and recruitment are fast approaching. Is wearing letters in your future? Check out Part 1 of this three part series on deciding if sorority life is for you.

Going Greek was never a part of my college plan. I didn’t know anyone who was in a sorority or fraternity before college, and the sole basis of my knowledge of the Greek system was a few references in pop culture. I couldn’t have been more unprepared. Luckily, I gave it a chance, and I found friends that will be by my side for a lifetime and a chance to hone my leadership abilities.

Take time before recruitment starts to take a self inventory. The best way to make a decision about your future is first to analyze who YOU are. What are your wants, needs and aspirations? How can Greek life fit into this?

You say: I have strong friendships/relationships
I say: Many women in my sorority had very close female friends in high school or had strong relationships with their families that transferred well into sorority life. They were used to coming home to people who they could talk to, share stories with and plan future activities. When embarking into college, these things are harder to come by when we’re miles away from home or our cell phone bills don’t allow us to constantly call high school friends. The sorority can be a great stand-in for family and offer many new friends. Mentors, or “big sisters,” can serve as the older voices of reason and as sounding boards. Pledge sisters and other members often become our best and lifelong friends.

You say: I’m looking for professional/leadership opportunities
I say: Sorority life can offer a great avenue for leadership experience. Contrary to popular belief, sorority life isn’t all partying and giggly girl talk – there’s also huge responsibility involved. Newsletters must go out to members, alumnae and national organizations that require writers. The finance officer deals with thousands of dollars for philanthropy projects, housing and events. Event planners must organize large groups of people to action and execute flawless activities. It’s real-life experience that can transfer well into the classroom and jobs. Sorority executive boards often have a dozen officers, not to mention committee chairs – there’s opportunity for everyone, regardless of time commitment.

You say: Helping others is important to me
I say: Each sorority has a national philanthropy that it supports. Multiple events each year take place to let you help others – from reading to school children to working in a soup kitchen or holding a bake sale to support your Relay for Life team. Sorority members are also required to complete a certain number of community service hours, and the philanthropy officer is a great resource for service opportunities in the community and on campus. Service is also a perfect way to meet new people.

You say: I want to have fun in college
I say: From sorority social events like mixers and formals to philanthropy projects, football games with sisters and late night chats at the house, being in a sorority will give you some of the best times of your life. While most meetings and ceremonies are mandatory, a host of other social opportunities are there for your choosing – as much or as little as you like and at times that can fit your schedule and situation.

Always ask you school’s office of student activities any questions you might have about Greek life and keep an open mind – the best times of your life are about to start!

Stephanie Hardiman is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM). She is a proud alumna of Washington and Lee University and Pi Beta Phi, attending graduate school at DePaul University in the fall. Follow her on Twitter @Steph_Hardiman.

CL’s guide to making your money count

We all want to have fun as long as it doesn’t put us in the poor house. Here’s some tips to making sure you stay out of the red this school year

• Set up a budget: Do it now, before the stress of moving in and classes start. In Microsoft Exel, make columns for income and expenses (or try this budget form). For income, count things like financial aid, loan and scholarship money, cash from mom and dad, income from a job or work study assignment and any other miscellaneous money (babysitting, etc.). For expenses, include rent/room and board, utilities, groceries, car/gas expenses, tuition, books and fees, entertainment/going out costs and other miscellaneous expenses such as those related to Greek life, birthday presents or your monthly iTunes allowance. Figure out how much money you have left at the end of the month or what expenses need to go to make ends meet.

• Set up a savings plan: Spring break might be far away, but if you budget for it now, the cost won’t seem so daunting when February comes and plans are being made. If you need X-amount of money to go to Cabo with friends in March, plan how much to save each week to make your goal. If it seems like too much, start small, maybe only $15 per week. This money will also come in handy for unforeseen emergencies like if your computer fries or your car breaks down. See if your parents will match your savings plan dollar-for-dollar or 50 cents per dollar.

• Talk with roommates: Determine who is paying what utilities, if you’re going to spring for HBO with your cable, if meals will be shared and other important factors that involve money. Planning to make dinner together two or three nights per week might save you both a lot of cash since cooking for a handful of people is often easier than cooking for one. Make a pact to unplug your electronics when you leave home, saving energy (and money on your bill). Tools like Buxfer can help sort out who owes what.

• Check your account online: One of the biggest ways to save yourself the headache of identity theft (and paying for purchases you didn’t make!) is to check your account on a regular basis. Report any strange charges to your bank or credit card company as soon as possible and cross-reference your receipts/budget with your online statement. Small discrepancies of even a penny could mean someone is testing your account for access. Your bank cannot stop theft from happening – you have to be proactive.

• Make a spending log: Write down everything you buy during the day and evaluate it on a regular basis. See where unnecessary spending occurs. Can you do without a morning trip to the coffee shop? Calculate how much you’d save a month by cutting out trips to the drive-through. When you see where your money goes, you’re more likely to make changes.

• Want or need?: Always ask yourself before a purchase if this is a want or a need. If your car radiator blows out, it’s most likely a need (unless you have dependable public transportation). Before you toss the lip gloss into your cart at Target, ask yourself if you really need it – chances are you don’t.

Stephanie Hardiman is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM). She is proud alumna of Washington and Lee University and Pi Beta Phi. Follow her on Twitter @Steph_Hardiman.

Yum! Check out the farmer’s market

Every Wednesday, the Portland farmer’s market takes over Monument Square. New England-grown sweet corn, fresh Maine blueberries, just-picked salad greens – it’s all there. The woman selling her handmade jewelry, a few locals playing a horn and a banjo, a beekeeper with her jars of organic honey – yes, yes, yes.

If you haven’t checked out a farmer’s market near you, YOU’RE MISSING OUT!

In an age where blueberries are shipped from Argentina and mangoes come over the border from Mexico, more and more shoppers are choosing the local route to keep money within the local community and bring fresher fruit to the dinner table.

Nearly $1 billion was spent on imported fruits and vegetables in 2000, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The average food item travels between 1,500 and 2,500 miles to get to consumers and can take days or even weeks to get from farm to mouth. Travel also uses fossil fuels that pollute the environment and deplete natural resources.

Harmful pesticides and farming procedures remain concerns for some consumers who worry that this imported food isn’t up to Americans’ standards.

Tim Belcher sells his produce at the Roanoke, Va. farmer’s market every day. His father was a farmer too.

“I’d like to see a ban on imported produce,” he said, because of what he calls a lack of government oversight of farming processes abroad. He pointed to poor working conditions in other countries that cause workers to defecate in fields for lack of restroom facilities as the cause of recent produce contamination scares

In 1989, traces of cyanide were found in Chilean grapes that caused the USDA to put a ban on food from the country. E. coli and salmonella outbreaks in spinach and tomatoes, respectively, that led to sickness in hundreds of Americans, have caused many consumers to question food safety standards.

DDT was banned worldwide, yet some countries, like India, still continue to spray the chemical on crops to ward off pests. India produces 41 percent of the world’s mangoes and 23 percent of bananas, according to the country’s agricultural department.

“With the local grown stuff around here, [the farmers] all eat what we grow. We’re not putting sprays and tons of stuff on the products we wouldn’t eat ourselves,” he said.

Websites like LocalHarvest.org and FarmersMarkets.com are making it easier for consumers to find the farmers and get the fresh food they want. In addition to farmers’ markets, LocalHarvest has search criteria for restaurants and grocery stores that carry local foods.

The newfound curiosity of where food comes from is due, in part, to the popularity of documentaries like Academy Award-nominated “Food, Inc.” and books like New York Times Bestseller “In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan that shine light on the process of industrial food production that consumers rarely see.

Buying locally puts more cash in the farmer’s pocket for him to buy supplies from the local hardware store or dinner at the family-owned restaurant, keeping more money inside the local economy than buying from retailers.

A 2004 study by economic development consulting firm Civic Economics calculated that a dollar spent at a locally owned business in a Chicago neighborhood generated 70 percent more economic impact per square foot of sales space than a chain store. At local businesses, $68 out of every hundred stayed in the community compared to only $43 at a chain.

“I think people are tired of Wal-Mart. People are tired of corporate America. They want to support their local people so that people can make it [financially],” said Annette Fleisher, who works at Sumdat Farm Market, a shop at the Roanoke market that sells farmers’ goods for them.

“People are really trying to stay away from junk—junk foods, junk products,” Fleisher said. “They trust local people who sell local.”

Stephanie Hardiman is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM). She is a proud alumna of Washington and Lee University and Pi Beta Phi. Follow her on Twitter @Steph_Hardiman.

What do I do?: My friend has an eating disorder

In honor of my friends who have fought with the challenge that is life with an eating disorder, I wanted to take a break from some of the fun College Lifestyles posts to deal with something more serious: What do I do when my friend has an eating disorder?

I talked with Jennifer Nardozzi, a psychologist and national training manager with the Renfrew Center in Florida to talk about this serious issue.

First it’s important to know that eating disorders affect people of all ages, weights and sizes. They may restrict, binge and purge or combine it with an exercise obsession.

The biggest tip off on an eating disorder is a change in mood, Nardozzi said. A friend may seem isolated, want to eat by themselves or develop strange food habits like cutting their bites very small, leaving the table right after a meal to go to the bathroom or obsess over calories.

“They’re often very secretive and try to hide it,” Nardozzi said, which makes it hard to pinpoint.

If a disorder is suspected, the first thing to do is talk to the individual, she said. This is the hardest part for friends who don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, or fear being cut out of their friend’s life for suggesting an eating disorder. As hard as it is, Nardozzi said that being a real friend means making the difficult choice, for the friend will often later see how caring the act was.

“It’s not easy because you usually only have little bits and pieces, and you suspect something but you don’t know,” Nardozzi said.

She says the key is to approach the person with the intention of caring, not demeaning them or being confrontational or dramatic. Focus on the person’s well-being, and not specifically weight.

“Say, ‘I’m concerned about you,’” and focus on the idea that they seem sad or lonely, she said.

The automatic response is to be defensive, she said, and they will often deny it or try to cover up the fact that they have been found out.

It might help for friends to look into resources, like the 1-800-RENFREW help line, the National Eating Disorder Association website or on-campus resources such as a student counseling center that they can suggest to friends. Nardozzi said it might help to offer to attend a counseling session with a friend so that they don’t feel alone, but it’s also important not to appear as if you have gone behind their back.

If no progress is being made after repeated talks with the friend, Nardozzi said it might be time to get the family or school involved.

“Sometimes it does take hounding somebody. Sometimes it does take time to plant the seed,” she said.

Eating disorders are long-term diseases that take specialized treatment. They are diseases of secrecy and denial.

“People do die,” Nardozzi said. “These are life threatening illness. Generally people don’t just get well without help,” Nardozzi said.

“Often it takes someones else in their life being a mirror, saying ‘You need help.’”

Stephanie Hardiman is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM). She is a proud alumna of Washington and Lee University and Pi Beta Phi, attending graduate school at DePaul University in the fall. She knows that there is hope for those struggling.

Is sorority life for me? Part 1

For many of us, back-to-school shopping and roommate assignments also means recruitment.

This is the first of a three-part series on deciding if sorority life is right for you.

I have to start off with a personal note about myself: I went into college without any intention to join a sorority. I went to a university where roughly 80 percent of students join a Greek organization, but still I was skeptical. I’d heard rumors that it was just “buying” your friends and an excuse to drink and party a lot. I decided to rush simply because I wanted to go through the process and be able to say with certainty that the entire Greek thing was the farthest thing from what I wanted.

Granted, I do not think that being Greek is for everyone, however I know that if I hadn’t given the opportunity a chance, I would have missed out on the most profound aspect of my college experience.

Here’s some things to think about regarding Greek life before you even step foot on campus:

• Find your university’s Greek life website. Learn which chapters are on campus and what they stand for. Look at their philanthropies and check out their websites to see if it’s something that might interest you. Follow them on Twitter to keep updated with what sorority headquarters is up to.
• Talk to Greek women you know already. Many of us have older sisters, friends, aunts, mothers or grandmothers who are Greek alumnae. Talk to them about their experiences and why they chose to “go Greek.” Feel free to ask the College Lifestyles interns too!
• Check out websites such as this one sponsored by the National Panhellenic Conference or this one by SureSister. There’s a lot of information out there about the Greek system and recruitment. Make sure the information is credible! Plenty of bloggers and writers claim to tell you the “insider scoop” on Greek life, but often these people were not involved with the Greek system or have a negative, uninformed viewpoint.
• Talk with your family about the decision. Having the support of your parents in a decision to go Greek is just as important as it is in other decisions like choosing a college.
• Always, always, ALWAYS keep an open mind. Don’t say no to an opportunity before you give it a fair shake.

Stephanie Hardiman is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM). She is a proud alumna of Washington and Lee University and Pi Beta Phi, attending graduate school at DePaul University in the fall. Follow her on Twitter @Steph_Hardiman.

Get some ‘me’ time this summer

I’m a big believer in alone time. In fact, my New Year’s resolution (in addition to not being the mean girl) was to focus more on myself and less on trying to make everyone around me happy. I’ve found one of the best ways to do this is to find time just to be alone.

Last summer I went to Arizona for two weeks to camp and hike by myself. My friends and family thought I was a little crazy (I’m not the greatest outdoorswoman), but what I found was something really great.

Here’s some thoughts that can help you find your “me” groove:

• Maybe part of it was not having a television and being incommunicado, but in Arizona I was able to shut off all the noise that happens in our day-to-day lives and just think without distraction. I highly recommend taking a technology fast one weekend without Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and texting. We rely on these things so much that it’s good to put into perspective the reality that we do not need them.

• I had a lot of time on my hands out West. I was able to think about my future and my relationships that I hadn’t had time to focus on in the past. I realized I needed to expect more out of my significant other and I was able to mentally prepare myself for my senior year. Sometimes it’s scary to be brutally honest with yourself about your life, which is why it’s necessary to really take inventory and problem solve.

• I conquered two weeks in the outdoors with no one to rely on but myself –  talk about a confidence boost. I guess I did it just to prove to myself that I could – to remind myself that I am a strong and capable woman that can take in stride the things life throws my way. Do something for yourself every once in a while that puts you outside your comfort zone. Do something that is solely yours.

• Take quiet time for yourself every day, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Try this article on how to meditate. Maybe it’s prayer or reflecting on a beautiful landscape. Whatever it is, always make sure there is a set time for you. Try in the morning, right before bed or on your lunch break.

While I realize not everyone can get off to the Grand Canyon for a few weeks, I do think there’s merit in this: find time to focus on yourself, doing something for your well-being without all the garbage that happens around us 24/7. Look inside yourself, and you might be surprised at what you find.

Stephanie Hardiman is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM). She is a proud alumna of Washington and Lee University and Pi Beta Phi, attending graduate school at DePaul University in the fall. Follow her on Twitter @Steph_Hardiman.

Keep up with your Greek this summer!

Ah, summer–the perfect time to kick back and relax. Or get ahead!

During the busy school year, it’s often hard to keep up with some things in Greek life. Take the summer to get your engines running full throttle for the start of the new school year (which is, unfortunately, soon than we think).

Update your website: Take this time to cull through old photos featuring alumnae or de-affiliated members. If you have members listed online, update their information with year/major/position. E-mail you sorority for photos to give new life to the public image of your house.

Check in with your office of Greek life/national counterparts: During the summer, advisers and directors often visit other schools, have meetings and go to conferences about Greek life. Pick their brains about ideas for the coming school year and take constructive criticism for thoughts on your own organization.

Scout out the rest: Check the websites of your organization’s other chapters. Cool T-shirt ideas, philanthropy projects and sisterhood activities are waiting to be discovered. Stealing ideas is the highest form of flattery.

Plan for success: If you’re on your chapter’s executive board, keep in regular contact with the rest of the board. The summer is a great time to plan for the upcoming school year without the stress of meetings or studying for an exam. Reflect on the past year–the things that went well and also the things you’d like to work on in the coming year. Take notes! You’ll want to hit the ground running come August.

Update your wardrobe: For many of us, fall means recruitment! Use some of your summer spending money to update classics in your wardrobe, like a crisp white shirt, a pair of dark wash bootcut jeans, a little black dress or initiation whites.

Clean out your Facebook: Take a solid evening or afternoon to de-tag photos that might reflect poorly on you or your organization. Join networking groups surrounding your sorority, and friend anyone in your house that you haven’t. Put your best foot forward for potential new members to see–now’s the time they will start browsing houses for fall recruitment.

Wear your pin with pride: Whether at your internship, church or a nice dinner, wear your pin! When you wear it at your best, you reflect well on the rest of the organization.

Make memories: Meet up with sorority sisters, take photos and have fun. These are the conversations that will be best and fresh in your mind to bring up once recruitment rolls around.

Stephanie Hardiman is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM). She is a proud alumna of Washington and Lee University and Pi Beta Phi, attending graduate school at DePaul University in the fall.

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