Spring semester has begun, which means that spring recruitment is right around the corner. Here at Pepperdine, spring rush is a little bit different than other schools (OK, a lot different), but rush still feels the same to everyone. You’re nervous, you’re excited, you want a certain house and feel like you belong to something important. Since a majority of the houses that are doing rush at Pepperdine are doing invite-only, I wanted to write this article for other universities where there’s open rush and explain the process through a series of gifs.
Good luck to all you PNM (potential new members) out there! Rush is hard, it’s okay to cry a little, but you do end up where you’re meant to be. Trust the system and get ready to make some of your potential best friends. Also enjoy the free food while it lasts and take as many cute pictures of yourself while you look hot in your “snappy casual” clothing. You’re doing better than you think. Also, be yourself. Don’t try to act a certain way for a specific sorority. If you want to wear Birkenstocks or Jesus Sandals, do it! Be confident in who you are and have a great rush week!
Here's an idea about how you'll feel during your week of rush:
1. Getting ready to flirt with girls for hours
You want to look your best so you make sure your makeup, hair and outfit are all on point. You want to be so trendy and cute that it hurts. You want to look presentable and ready to get your girl-flirt on, which includes smiling, complementing, and sucking up.
2. You start out nervous, but very excited
You have no idea what's about to happen. You have the nervous sweats, but you're excited about the process. What's the worst that could happen?
3. When the doors open and you have no idea what to expect
Whatever is behind the doors is a secret, and you're just as confused as all of the other PNM's. But then you hear clapping and chanting and you've completely lost your cool. What is happening?
4. When you walk into the rush room for the first time
Hi, please love me. I'm really cool, I promise.
4. When you make eye contact with a girl who's singing in your face
Well, this just got awkward.
5. Trying to act cool and confident but you end up looking like this
It must be the nerves. Be cool.
6. How you feel after saying your name, where you are from and your major a hundred times
You might even start making stuff up. (Don't do that, just keep that smile on your face and repeat the information).
7. How you feel when you found your sorority soulmate
Just don't hug her –– hugs are not allowed. But feel free to inner-scream as you gush about each other. You love this girl, why can't you talk to her the whole night?
8. When you have to talk to a different sorority 
You just want to be in *insert sorority here*!
8. When you're in a awkward conversation 
You can't win them all. Some girls you might just not get along with well. You can push through, though!
9. When you're already tired by the third house
Time for a snack break! And take off your heels for a minute to let your feet rest. You have a lot more standing to do.
10. When you find out a house you liked cute you
Why me? More importantly, why her? All I ever did was love you.
11. Realizing you're better off without them
You're going to find where you belong, and you'll love it.
12. Walking into a house you want a bid from
Please let me into your sorority! (Try not to look desperate, though!)
13. When you get invited back to your top house
One step closer to making your sorority-dreams come true!
14. And when you don't
Say it with me: everything happens for a reason. You don't need them!
15. Getting ready for pref night
Glamorous, yeah glamorous!
16. Before you receive your bid
What does the card say? Tell me! I'm so nervous I could throw up!
17. When you get the bid you want
Ah! I literally can't!
18. When you meet all the new pledges
We're sisters now!
19. And finally, posting the happy moment on social media
Good luck to all the PNM's out there! You're going to end up where you belong and find the right fit! Just remember that everything happens for a reason! If you don't get the house you want, accept the bid from the house you got a bid from and try it out! You might just fall in love with it. And if you end up dropping out of rush, you'll still "find your people." Being a GDI is rad, too!
