Rushing for a sorority was one of the best memories I have had in college. It was so much more than I expected and I would definitely do it again! Here are some things I think those rushing should know.
1. It Can Be Overwhelming
Yeah, rushing can be a little overwhelming, but what isn't overwhelming in college? I promise in the end, it will be totally worth it. Meeting a ton of new people and not being able to remember their names kind of stresses you out a little. It's normal! Really, the first recruitment event is the one that is the most overwhelming. You are meeting everyone for the first time and trying to get a feel for everything.
2. Why Rush?
Rushing is so much fun, but you have to think why you want to rush to begin with. A lot of sororities and fraternities have core values for their organization. It is important that you apply these values to yourself when rushing. Aside from what the movies and TV shows say, being in Greek Life is not about the party. Rushing is the first step to make you become something more. A lot of sororities and fraternities strive on excellence and success, and you should want to too.
3. We Judge But Not Like You Think We Do
When recruitment begins and you start attending the events, it might seem as if we are asking you a lot of questions and it can be quite overwhelming. If you think we are judging you based on your answer. You are WRONG! Us Greeks try the best we can to learn about all potential new members! We ask you a ton of questions to make sure you are a good fit for our sorority or fraternity. We want to make sure you are the type of person who uphold our values and to not disappoint.
4. We Are Just As Nervous As You
Believe it or not, we really are just as nervous as you are. Some of us sisters or brothers are not as outgoing as others, but that is OK, we are all individually unique. Try not to stress about meeting all of the Greeks in the organization you are rushing. Embrace meeting new people, and if you can find someone else that is just as nervous as you, talk to them. You will probably hit it off pretty well.
5. Have Fun
After the first recruitment event, you may be slightly overwhelmed. But throughout the rushing process, have fun! The more fun you have, the more you will fall in love with a certain Greek Life organization. These rushing events will be so much more enjoyable for you if you are having fun and meeting new people.
6. Be You
The best thing that you can do is be you! We want to get to know the real you, not a show that you put on. Show Greek Life who you are and what you are about, don't be shy! This is a great way for you to meet others who share the same characteristics and hobbies as you!
7. Be Passionate
Be passionate in what you say. Show us what you love doing and what you love about life! Showing us that you can be passionate about other stuff lets us know that you could be passionate about Greek Life too.
8. Don't Be Afraid To Ask Questions
If you have a question, don't be afraid to ask us! We want to make sure you have the best rushing experience ever! There are no stupid questions. Make sure that even if you have the slightest doubt about something that you ask. Asking doesn't make you look dumb, it makes you look more invested in Greek Life.
9. We Don't Pay For Friends
Regardless of what everyone says, we really don't pay for friends. All sororities and fraternities have chapter dues that are due at the beginning of the semester. That money goes to your organization's National Headquarters. You don't have to pay this when you are rushing! This is something that is owed after you receive and accept your bid. Many think that Greeks pay for their friends, but they are wrong. Being a part of Greek Life means that you come together as a whole. You grow with one another, volunteer in your community and on campus, help others, etc.
10. It's Not For Everyone, And That's OK
You made decide throughout the rushing process that you don't think that being a part of Greek Life is for you. That's okay! We are still going to say "hi" to you when we see you on campus. We understand that this isn't for everyone but it is better you realized it in the beginning versus a few semesters down the road.
