As rush week starts for Greeks, both current and potential members put their best foot forward to represent themselves and their organization for all to see. Ambitious new members seek their perfect fit as they begin a journey that more or less will help define them for the next four years.
Despite stereotypes and cliches of the group themselves, this strenuous process is not just recruitment songs and flavored punch.The unspoken side of when recruitment ends and your friends receive a bid and gain three letters to wear while you lose your best friends.
Dear Sorority,
First of all, your system beat me in every game that was played. I fell for your sorority socials and parties. I drank the punch and learned names, trying to look effortless while doing it. In secret, I spent the days during rush week planning what to wear that night and deciding who to “girl flirt” with during the pre-games. But of course, you knew that because every single one of you was in my position once. Eager freshman testing the waters of each sorority but knowing that you had a preference toward two or three Greek letters in which you felt you belonged.
Every single girl in your sorority evoked a flawless persona: gorgeous with an Instagram and likes to prove it. Each of you were trained to be the sorority girls that used expressions to make potential members question if they knew what partying, even living, was before entering your world. I fell for all of it. I had this notion in my head that because I worked it, I would be rewarded with a different level of prestige. All of this was part of the game.
Yes, I understand that I come off as another upset reject that is seeking revenge because I didn’t receive a bid on Bid Day. The reason behind my aggravation isn’t an overreaction targeting you and your standards. I would have been as upset if it was any other sorority. What I will always blame you for is the fact that Greek life didn’t create a bridge of opportunity, rather it burned those bridges.
I watched as I didn’t get a bid the first time I rushed. There were reasons to dismiss my intentions to pledge as I didn’t reach certain requirements while the first friends I made on campus continued on into your pledging process. Rushing once before I felt I had an advantage, the sisters already knew my face and name, so I didn’t hesitate repeating the process. Believe me, I heard all the rumors and excuses revolving around my denial into your sorority once again while you extended bids to my friends.
Truly none of this matters. In the end, there was room for my friends and I was not what you were looking for. As I found other activities to fill my now open schedule, you took your stereotypes and my best friends. You won. I know that in taking the girls that I deemed worthy for myself, they will do great things for your sorority. My hope for future generations is that sororities will select pledges with poise and esteem, and not make nervous underclassmen feel lesser or unfit.
Love always,
Your Secret Recruitment Chair
