Dear Spring Rush Girls,
Your time has come. Second semester is finally here and thus your "rushing journey" begins. For some of us, like myself, our colleges already allowed us to rush in the fall, so we got it done and over with. But don't think that means we forgot the rollercoaster of emotions that we went through during that long and painful week. It's a time of fear and excitement and anxiety and everything in between. Even though we are fresh out of the womb in our rushing experience, a mere five months ago, we have indeed survived it and can finally live to tell the crazy tale and give you some real-life tips because no one understands sorority rushing more than we do.
Sororities should never affect your friendships. Most likely, you and your friend group will all be rushing together. If you and your friends all end up in different sororities, it shouldn't matter because they were your first semester homies. We didn't have as much time to make those, but you're lucky to have found people who you chose to be friends with before you became by association. In fact, having friends from all different places is a blessing. There is no reason why you should be limited to only people within your sorority. And if things don't work out and your friends end up in sororities while you don't, they will still be there. If they ditch you because you're not in one, then clearly they aren't true friends and you're better off without them.
Never compare yourself to other people. One of the worst problems I've noticed in my rushing experience is that everyone feels the need to compare sororities as if it's some kind of contest. Whether it's during rush when people get their lists or after getting into a sorority, people think their self worth is equated to their sorority. But the reality is tiers only matter if you let them, and while they might have a great rep, that doesn't neccessarily mean that they are good people or lifelong friends. I get it, it's human nature to develop those insecurities. But step back for a moment and look at the bigger picture. You can either be a complainer or a go-getter. There is no point in wishing you were in a better sorority or caring about what others think of yours because at the end of the day, you're living your life for you, not them.
Don't let sororities define you. You just went through a whole semester without being in one and you can do it again. If you don't get your first choice, keep your other options open. Or if rushing doesn't work out, that's okay. I know that seems easier said than done but eventually you will make peace with it because believe it or not, sororities aren't the only thing that makes college fun. Yes, I know that it seems like being in one is life or death but trust me, it's not. We went through sylly week just fine without being in one. The difference is while we were thrown into rushing in a matter of days after starting school, you were given a rare opportunity to see what life was like when you weren't in a sorority, so take advantage of it.
And lastly, it's all about your mindset. I can't stress this enough. How you handle the outcome of rushing is going to affect your experience at school. It's what you make of it. Not everyone is going to be happy with how rushing goes; that's life. But are you going to let a sorority stop you from having fun? Hell no. You can choose to isolate yourself and create your own misery OR you can continue to go out and have the time of your life for the next four years with the people you love, no matter how rush turns out.
Greek life is an amazing thing, but always remember: you were amazing before rush ever happened, and you will always continue to be. So if we can get through it, so can you.
From One Rush Season To Another,
Fall Rush '15
