I just went through rush at UMD and man was it a whirlwind of emotions. I thought I could best explain to others how I felt through this process by using gifs.
Excitement
It's day one. You're feeling good, digging your outfit, and ready to take on all sixteen sororities in one day.
Hungry
Shoveling protein bars in in between houses really does nothing to cure that constant pain of hunger. The only thing that's keeping you going is the promise of Marathon fries or pizza with friends after the day is over.
Exhausted
You spent thirteen hours rushing the first day and now you're about to wake up at 5:30 the next morning to go again for eleven more hours. To say you're exhausted is an understatement.
Stressed
Ranking the houses was a very stressful moment for me. It's hard to know what you really want after two conversations, but it's something everyone had to do. Looking around at all of the other PNMs (potential new members) I could tell they were just as stressed as me, which was a bit comforting.
Emotional
Constantly being judged by other girls, judging other girls, and having millions of conversations over two weekends was not only exhausting, but also made for an emotional experience. You're constantly feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, sad, mad, happy, and excited.
Overwhelmed/Excited
It's finally preference round and you're down to two houses. It's overwhelming to think that the girls in one of these houses are going to be your new sisters, but at the same time it's beyond exciting. I don't think I've ever battled with these two emotions as much as I did on pref day.
Excitement pt 2
It's bid day! Heading to Stamp to sit on our bids for thirty minutes until we're finally allowed to open them was exciting, but also nerve-racking. As I sat there with my roommate and listened to the PHA board count down from five I couldn't help but smile as wide as my face would allow. When we opened our bids we screamed, hugged each other, and ran off to our separate sororities; both beyond excited with our bids.
Love
As I ran towards the Gamma Phi girls I knew this was the right place for me. Immediatly I felt the love, not only from the sorority girls, but from my other new uninitiated sisters as well. Although this process was stressful and emotional, I know it paid off in the end because I couldn't be happier with where I am today.
