Greek life recruitment is extremely nerve-wracking. Between the endless girl-flirting and conversation, I thankfully made it out alive after rushing from what felt like the longest week of my life. For my friends that will be going through the recruitment process second semester, I came up with six tips that I think will be helpful during this pressure-filled time.
1. Sororities are trying to impress you just as much, or even more than you are them
It may seem like on your end that you have to be the one keeping the conversation going while simultaneously being on your A game, but really these people who are talking to you really want you to have a good impression of them. They have prepared for these few days for so long and want everything to run smoothly. Everything is done so that every girl feels comfortable in their potential new Greek home, from the food to the color schemes, it's all done to impress you. Don't think that this process is all on your shoulders, because it's not.
2. This is an opportunity to meet new people
Even if you get dropped by a sorority, it doesn’t mean you can’t remain friends with girls you spoke to during the process. In addition to this, you can become friendly with the girls who were in your rush group. I met a girl the week of rush who is now one of my best friends, and it's because we talked throughout the process and took advantage of the opportunity to meet people that we wouldn't have met otherwise. There's also a phrase called "rush crush", which is when you or the person rushing you really hit it off, and that can lead to an unexpected friendship as well! I also joined a sorority where I didn't know one girl in my pledge class coming in, and now, at the risk of sounding cliché, I have found incredible people who have become my best friends.
3. Remember that everything happens for a reason
It does happen that people are disappointed with the outcome of the process, but there's a greater chance you end up in the right sorority than you end up in the wrong one. Even if you get dropped from your top choice after the first round, don't let the get the best of you. I advise you to keep on going through the process and see where it takes you. You may be pleasantly surprised and figure that the sorority you originally wanted really isn't what's best for you.
4. You will know where you fit in, I promise
If you don't let the beautiful house and friendly girls fool you, you will be able to tell which group of girls are the best fit for you. I was so overwhelmed the whole week, concerned with whether or not I was going to make the right decision in the end. All in all, you will make a group of friends wherever you end up, and you will get definitely get a certain vibe from every house you go to. Some set of girls are more studious while others are just extremely diverse. I'm telling you, you will know where you see yourself by the end of it all.
5. Greek life isn’t for everyone
Being a part of a sorority or fraternity isn't always the best thing for a college student. I have close friends who found a nice group of friends through clubs, music groups, projects, class, and so on. The whole point of joining Greek Life is to have a home away from home, but honestly, you can find that anywhere with the right group of people. No matter what, your college has so many different types of people, and you are bound to find those you clique with sooner or later.
6. Be yourself
Don't pretend to be someone that you're not. Be honest with the women you speak to and don't hold anything back. If you are yourself, you will get a feel of the type of sorority you're sitting in when you're having a conversation. If you try to put on a specific persona to come off as likable to a certain group of girls, you may end up in a sorority where you don't feel comfortable. You may have trouble connecting with the girls who really don't know the real you. If you are natural and say what's on your mind, I promise the process will be much easier and less stressful.
Happy #rushszn!
