What I Wish I Knew During Helenes Recruitment

USC Helenes
Sep 9
3 min read

In honor of my one year anniversary of joining Helenes, here’s my advice for prospectives.

Maria Laguna (Fall 2025 Blog Chair)

It’s hard to believe that it has been a year since I was Zoom calling my mom everyday to help me prepare for my USC Helenes exam—something I felt extremely nervous about. For me, the first few weeks of September 2024 were filled with recruitment and information events because I was determined to get into this organization. Now, as I reflect on all the time that has passed and the incredible memories I have made, I am beyond grateful that I did all of that studying.

But, all of this isn’t to make any prospective worry or think one has to do the same obsessive level of studying that I did. My honest advice for any prospectives about to go through Helenes recruitment is as follows:

Be open to all conversations!

When attending recruitment events, be excited to interact with all members of the organization—not just anyone you think will have an impact on whether or not you get into the organization—while making an effort to also get to know other prospective applicants. During my recruitment process, I was so happy to feel invited into conversations with gen-mems, E-boarders, and other prospectives alike because it gave me a greater feeling of how the organization is united within all of its levels of membership.

Be yourself!

In my eyes, the beauty of Helenes is how tight-knit and welcoming we are, so perspectives should not be nervous or concern themselves by trying to act how they “think” a Helene should act. All members are so excited to see what our next Rosebud class has in store for the organization, and that requires perspectives to be honest and true to themselves during the recruitment process. Show us what makes you so special!

Attend every event that you can!

When I was applying to Helenes I was in the fall semester of my freshman year, so I was incredibly new to campus and I had no idea what to expect from club rush. When I saw all the events Helenes had in store for their Fall 2024 recruitment, I added every single one to my Google Calendar. I think getting this hands-on experience with members to explore the different pillars of Helenes is so crucial to seeing what the organization does for the university community and beyond. My whole understanding of Helenes fell into place during these events, like the blanket making service event and the open house in Doheny Library, and I knew that this was the place for me.

Understand what Helenes actually is!

Similar to my previous piece of advice, attending events and researching this organization will show prospective members what our organization really values and stands for. These beliefs that shine through in all of Helenes four pillars (Service, DEI, Family, and Spirit) aligned with me and being an active member who represents these components of the organization is so fulfilling. Moreover, the gen-mems and E-boarders that I have had the privilege of calling some of my closest friends are extremely passionate about these pillars, and as prospectives are applying to Helenes, they should be sure that they are prepared to uphold these values when representing our organization.

All in all, I wish for all prospective members to have a memorable application process and I hope to see you at different recruitment events this Fall!