When I began my college career, I had never even thought about joining a sorority. The image that I had of them was formed by movies and initiation horror stories on the news. As a freshman, I had an older friend at my university who I always viewed as such a positive role model. After finding out that she was in a sorority, I realized that there had to be more to them than what I had originally thought. I decided to sign up for Formal Recruitment. If I had never talked to my friend about Greek Life, I never would have rushed, and that's why I'm writing this article. I hope that any one who is unsure about rushing can read this article and find it helpful.
First off, let me say that Rush can be stressful. It is an exhausting week (or two depending on your school). That being said, it was such a positive experience for me. You get to meet so many different girls, and really get to know people with such different personalities. You get to meet Greek women, but you also get to meet so many girls going through Rush. It can be crazy, but at least you're not alone!
Second, I will offer a piece of advice. Relax and have fun! Don't worry about different sorority's stereotypes or pay attention to what other people are saying about each sorority. If you can relax, be yourself, and have fun then it will be so much easier to find a sorority that feels like home. You will end up where you belong.
Rush is not as awful as it's made out to be. At my school, it was pretty relaxed, and I honestly had such a great time! It builds so much confidence, and it's such a great feeling when a sorority really wants to get to know you. Yes, you may be asked dumb questions. (I was asked what type of cookie I would be if I was a cookie). Smile through the dumb questions because they make the insightful ones even more meaningful. When someone is genuinely interested in getting to know you and takes an interest in who you are and things that you love, it can make you feel so loved and welcome. I remember feeling like I had already become friends with girls after talking to them for just fifteen minutes. There are going to be some sorority women that you just click with, and that's part of the reason that Rush is so special.
There was one house that I visited during Rush that always felt like home. It felt like I belonged there, and the conversations I had there were always so much more personal. Now that I'm in that sorority, I have not only found a sisterhood, but also some of my best friends. I also know a lot of girls who became friends just because they went through Rush together. Even if you don't get into a sorority, you still have the chance to make friendships that could last throughout your entire college career. Rushing also isn't for everyone, and I hope that you don't feel any pressure to Rush or join a sorority just because your friends are involved in Greek Life. There are so many other ways to make friends in college, and I have plenty of friends outside my sorority.
Rushing is one of the best choices I've ever made. When you come to college as a freshman, it can be so overwhelming. Rushing and joining a sorority really helped make college feel like home to me. It is one of the most positive things in my life. I have a support group like no other and best friends that I know I will always have.
