Fall semester is the first semester for all of the incoming freshman. There are many awesome opportunities popping up during this time, including sorority/fraternity recruitment. Rush for guys and girls is completely different so for the purpose of this little info session, since I am a girl that is the side I will talk about.
Joining a sorority is a great way to meet new people, get involved and make friendships that will last a lifetime. Most people get the wrong idea about Greek life and I must say I was one of them. Before I found my Greek home I did not think super highly of sororities. With a heavy heart I do have to admit that I was very wrong. Being a part of my sisterhood has brought me so much happiness and many opportunities to grow as an individual. I am a chair for my sorority, which adds to my other leadership roles. It also allows me to meet other people on campus and get more involved with things such as homecoming week.
1. Be yourself.
You may think that this is a joke but I am being so serious when I say this. Many girls will put on a fake persona just because they believe that is what that certain sorority wants. If you feel that you are not good enough the way you are or you would not fit in than that is not your home. There is a perfect fit for everyone, so do not let yourself think that you need to change something. You will know when you have found your home because those conversations won't feel forced. You will genuinely enjoy the company and not feel awkward or put on the spot.
2. Have fun.
Rushing in general tends to be a very tense and intimidating thing to go through. Sure there are some not-so-fun parts, but make the most out of it. Especially if you are going to a D1 university, you need to make friends with the other girls who are rushing. Even if you guys do not end up in the same house, you will still have some awesome memories to share. Also, try and get comfortable when you are talking to the sororities. They are just as interested in you as you are of them. Take advantage of the conversation and really find out what they stand for.
3. Don't force it.
As cheesy at is sounds, rushing really is like falling in love. You will feel it and so will the sorority's so do not panic. If you feel at home then do your best to show that. I have faith that you will find your home, the perfect fit for you no matter what. Do not force conversation or be someone who you are not just to look like you fit in. When you fake it then you really will not have a fun time in that sorority if you truly do not mesh. There is a home out there for you so do not worry because they will find you. They have their eyes out for you just like you have your eyes out for them.
4. Find things out for yourself.
Around the Greek life area there are so many nasty words to be said. Do not let outsiders influence your choice of houses or what you think of them. Find out for yourself if a house is a good fit for you or not. Even if you think you do not belong in a certain house that is OK, but do not bash them for it. Let your own thoughts and experiences form your beliefs about other people and organizations. Just because someone says something about a certain house or person does not validate it to be truth. Be true to your heart and what you feel.
5. Modesty Is key (less is NOT more).
Even though college is a no-dress-code kind of place, rush is an exception. This is where girls will be looking at your appearance (how you hold yourself) as well as your personality. You want to dress appropriately, as in something you would be comfortable having an interview in or even going out with your parents in. This does not mean you can not dress to impress or look good, but you need to make sure to leave your clubbing clothes in the closet. Girls are not impressed with how much skin you can show and in fact that is a big turn off. Let your personality be the way you win them over and not how much of your body you can show off. Be beautiful, be bold, and be classy both inside and out.
In my honest opinion, I believe that rushing is a great way to find out if joining a sisterhood is right for you. Do not throw it out the window because it is easy to hate something that everyone else does. If I had listened to what the world was saying I would have missed out on so many amazing things that God has blessed me with. Follow your heart and trust that no matter what happens or where you end up it is for the best.
Best wishes.
