Last week I finally got to experience the week that I had anticipated for so long. Excitement, nervousness, happiness and confusion were just some of the feelings that I felt. Needless to say it was an emotional roller coaster.

I want to share with all of you what I experienced during Rush. Maybe some of this will help you decide if you want to be a part of a sorority, but if you take away anything from this article it is to NOT listen to the stereotypes. I can’t encourage you enough to experience this for yourself.

Going into Rush I had heard many stereotypes’ about each sorority and also had friend’s in each house. I promised myself I would go into Rush with an open mind and that I would follow my heart even if that meant not being in the same sorority as my best friends. Which I can honestly say helped me so much, because I know without a shadow of doubt the place I decided to call home was the best choice I could have made for myself.

So let’s start from the beginning,

Day One

Rush was during the first week of college, and as a freshman this can be extremely over whelming. The first day started on a Thursday and I went to three parties which was my first time stepping foot in each of those houses. I remember waiting outside each house so nervous about this whole processes. What if they house I fall in love with hates me? What if I don’t get invited back to the house I want? What if I don’t make the right decision and I’m unhappy? You’re probably thinking that it’s pretty dramatic to freak out this bad on the first day, which is true, but all of these questions are something everyone can’t help but feel. That night I walked into the house I would eventually fall in love with and I also felt my first sense of belonging in one house, but I needed more clarification.

Day Two

I was lucky enough to get invited back to all three. I was even more nervous (if that’s possible) than the first day. Now I knew some of the girls in each sorority, but I still had no idea what was about to happen. This night I really could see how much fun all these girls had together, how hard they worked to prepare for Rush, and how in love they all were with their houses, I wanted that. I wanted to love a sorority so much where I would get up in front of tons of girls I didn’t know and sing and dance just to try and encourage them to join. I told myself I knew where I wanted to call home but I still needed that “slap you in the face” answer. Patience does not come easy (especially for me), but I was forcing myself to keep an open mind and wait.

Day Three

I knew I could only be invited back to two houses, and I thankfully got invited back to the two I was really interested in. Over and over again I was told, “Pref tea is normally where you really figure out where you want to be” so I was really stressing if I would actually be one of those people or if that feeling would ever come. (Pref Tea, is the more serious day of Rush where you get to see a small glimpse of the personal side of each sorority, and you can only choose one house.) I waited outside my first party of the day filled with so many emotions. I went in and everything went great and now I was so torn. I had no idea what to do, I can’t pick both. I waited outside my second party, praying over and over again for a clear answer on which house He wanted me to join. The door opened, the moment of truth. I sat down, looked around and realized this is where I wanted to be. I got my “slap in the face” answer.

As Pref Tea continued, I had so many confirmations that this is really where I’m called to be. From the first night I walked in, I felt so at home, I felt how genuine the conversations were, and each day I went back I had girls I didn’t know make me feel so welcome. They were happy that I was there. The feeling of knowing where you want to be isn’t something I can describe, you just know. Through many tears, I told two amazing girls that Phi Mu is my home and it felt so good to say that and fully mean it. All the waiting, praying, walking in heels, dressing up in 90° weather and hiding from the rain was so worth! I felt so at peace and happy that I found where I was meant to be.

Day Four, BID DAY!!

I have never experienced anything like Bid Day and it is not an exaggeration when girls tell you that it is the best day EVER. I slept terribly, I was so worried about getting a bid. I sat in a room for an entire hour waiting to know if the house that I wanted wanted me back. The anxiety was real. My name finally got called, and so many “what if’s” ran through my head as I walked in and was handed my bid. 90% of me wanted to rip the envelope open as fast as I could, 5% of me didn’t want to open the envelope, and the other 5% wanted to cry.

“My dreams came true when I became a Phi Mu.”

Right after receiving my bid I was given the cutest tank top ever, had my face painted, and had glitter glued to me. Every girls dream, right?

Receiving a bid from Phi Mu was so happy and exciting, running down Greek Street will be one of my favorite memories forever. I knew this decision was for me, and I knew that these girls would help me to become everything I’ve ever wanted to be and more. I knew that I had found tons of new girls that would love and support me, not only in my sorority but the girl’s I made friends with throughout Rush. Going Greek isn’t about the parties, formals, or who has the best house. Going Greek is about making lifelong friends, being your best self, and most importantly helping others.

Each sorority has a philanthropy that they support and raise money for. Being able to work with kid’s through the Children’s Miracle Network, being given the opportunity to help a child in need is one of the many reason’s Phi Mu stole my heart. When it came down to making a decision, I thought about who I would want surrounding me on the best and worst days of my life.

Starting college isn’t easy, it’s overwhelming when you are trying to figure so many things out while trying to keep it all together. Before college started I had two best friends move away and went through a break up, so I was really nervous about finding my place. In Phi Mu I have found a place where I feel myself, a place that makes me so happy, and a new beginning. I can’t thank everyone who helped me and supported me through Rush.

The three main pieces of advice I have for anyone going through Rush is to listen to your heart, understand that you and your best friend can still be besties even if you both aren’t in the same sorority, and to let the stereotypes go. I have gained a whole new outlook on being a sorority, from the outside looking in everything is different. I hope this article inspired you in some way to Rush or consider going Greek. For the girls reading this that have found their home, I hope you’re like me and can look back on your Rush experience and feel nothing but happiness. And to my sorority sister’s I can’t wait for this year and all the memories Phi Mu will bring.