It may be a common belief that fraternities overall simply try to find the most "frat" guy they can to join their chapter. In some cases, that is unfortunately true. But from what I've learned, it is about finding people who benefit from the chapter as much as the chapter benefits from them.

For those who may not know, "rush week" is when Greek life organizations and chapters search for potential new members by hosting events all week where you learn about the specific organization and meet the members.

Rush week is in full swing at Towson, and if you go to a college with a large Greek life population, you already know it's that time of year. It's finally that time of the semester to find potential new members, which is nerve-wracking for both parties involved. When I was rushing just this time last year, I had no idea what kind of time and effort actually goes into rush week. I also never thought about what it actually meant to rush.

Rush keeps Greek life organizations alive. Without it, there wouldn't be any Greek life. Not only is it important to rush big numbers, but you also need to look out for the people that embody what your chapter does. Sometimes you find a prospective rush, but they don't seem to fit the specific mold. That certainly was my experience.

For me, the rush process was a difficult one. Considering I never really had a core group of guy friends in my life, throwing myself into Greek life was not something that I thought about. Despite my discomfort, I do not regret my decision to rush last year.

I was a quiet and reserved kid when I was rushing, no one near who I am today. Thanks to them, I've come far in becoming more outgoing. My chapter was something that I didn't know I needed. The lessons I've learned and the stories I get to tell are things I wouldn't trade anything for. I'm thankful that I rushed, granted I didn't even know I wanted to when I arrived freshman year.

Take a chance on that person who might not fit your mold, they may end up surprising you.