Joining Theta Chi was the best decision for me, but have you ever wonder if you made the right decision in choosing your fraternity or sorority?

Going Greek is pretty simple, but choosing the chapter that you think is best for you is probably one of the hardest decisions any new member can make in the rush process. If or when you are initiated into your chapter, there are no take backs to join another chapter. So, it is quite understood why some people stress over in making that decision; but that’s if the chapters you are considering also mutually feel the same way about you. So, what would you do if you didn’t get a bid from your top choices? Luckily enough, I did not have this problem; but still, how does someone ensure they will make the best choice provided that bids were given from the chapters of their choice?

In all modesty, after serving in the United States Marine Corps, I admit that I’ve learned to be diplomatic, amiable, and articulate not to mention being confident. These are some characteristics and skills any rushee should probably possess if they want to receive bids from the chapters they are considering. Still, it’s not that simple. Sure, anyone bold enough to go through the rush process demonstrates their desire, and to a certain extent, determination to be a part of the Greek community. What I struggled with was accepting one bid over the rest. It took some time, but I eventually chose to join the Theta Chi Fraternity. Although, I was completely satisfied with my choice, I thought about how it would have been if I didn’t join Theta Chi.      

Now that I am brother, I’m on the other side watching other potential new members going through rush hoping to receive a bid from our fraternity. I remember going through rush like it was yesterday. I remembered talking to many of the bothers touring the house and talking some more. Making conversation with strangers and adapting to my environment was something I got use to while I was in the military traveling to different countries; so, naturally I had a fairly easy time with the brothers when I was rushing. Regardless of who you are and your level of ability to speak with others does not matter when you feel like you fit in with the brothers or sisters of the chapter. You don’t have to try hard to impress anyone. Like our previous president of chapter would say when we’re talking to girls, “If you’re trying, you’re dying!” In other words, if you feel like you are trying hard to make a conversation or fit into the chapter, then maybe that is not the best chapter for you.

Sure, you may have received a bid from the chapter, but how long can you keep it up? I’m not saying there will not be a few brothers or sisters you will connect with, but think about the chapter as a whole. Maybe you got lucky and talked, or didn’t talk, to the right people in the chapter, which ultimately ended up with you getting a bid. Don’t get stuck on that one or two you connected with during rush, but consider if most, not all, members of the chapter genuinely want you in the chapter. Unfortunately, some people may end up in a chapter they may not like wholeheartedly with the exception of a few. That is not to say that the chapter is bad, but it was probably not the best choice for you. One of deciding factors that made my decision was how the brothers made me feel. I didn’t try to fit in or impress anyone. However, the success in making the best decision is figuring out not only how you feel about the chapter, but also how the chapter feels about you. 

Photos by: Aung Maung