To Rush, or Not to Rush?

By Christina Oehler on August 31, 2014

There is something unique about a college campus in the fall; the marching band practicing for football games, students energetically walking to their classes with anticipation of a successful semester and the campus clubs and organizations offering endless opportunities for student involvement. Even if you hate the thought of studying, you have to admit that the Autumn ignites excitement for any student. And if you’re a student at the University of Illinois, you also know what the fall entails: greek recruitment.

Since I cannot speak for the male population and I have no idea what fraternity recruitment is like, I direct this article toward any female on campus who is debating the ultimate college decision: to rush, or not to rush?

My freshman year of college, I decided to attempt sorority recruitment. None of my family members had ever been a part of Greek life, so I had no idea what I was getting into. As cynical and reserved as I can sometimes be, I decided to get out of my comfort zone and see what it was all about. Because I am now part of a sorority chapter on campus, I want to leave my bias at the door and give the most honest opinion for those of you faced with this life-changing decision.

Recruitment itself, admittedly, is intimidating at first if you are a potential new member. Every sorority is filled with women that look like Barbies, singing to you about why their chapter is the best on campus. Walking into my first house I remember trying not to laugh at first- what did I get myself into? As I continued onto each round, I became increasingly worried- was this for me? I couldn’t see myself getting along with 60 girls, singing songs and looking perfect every day like these sorority women.

Now that I have been part of my chapter for a year, I come to realize how beneficial it is to me, and how much I thoroughly enjoy being a part of this organization.

Despite whatever qualms you may have about joining one, here is my advice to any potential new member going through sorority recruitment: try it.

I say this for a few reasons. Primarily, you will make incredible friendships and gain an unwavering support system. When I first became a member of my chapter, I kept to myself. Being homesick and reserved, I didn’t initially get to know the girls in my pledge class as well as I could have.  However, even as I tried to spend as much of my time alone as I possibly could, the girls in my chapter made it known how badly I was wanted in this group. Exceeding my expectations, I can’t account for a single moment when I felt left out or unwanted. The girls in your sorority will be your home away from home, and you will soon find this cliche is true for a reason.

Being in a sorority gives you an amazing way to network and find opportunities you may not have had otherwise. The women of your chapter will give you advice about school, internships, housing and so much more.  Through my sorority, I found ways to get involved in other on-campus organizations. Women in your chapter will give you information about job offerings, abroad programs and which classes to take, all because they care about you.

Your sorority will be whatever you want it to be. If you are more reserved, and find that perhaps you are not one to engage in large group activities often, the women in your pledge class will still be your best friends and support that. Whatever your interests are, or however challenging your major is, your friends from your sorority will support whatever decisions you make throughout your college career. The beauty of this sort of group is that you will never feel pressured to be anyone you are not, but simply a better version of yourself.

Ultimately, college itself is whatever you make it. Although you may not see yourself as someone who would fit into a group of 60+ women, being a part of sorority recruitment is something I encourage any young woman to try. You will only be an undergrad once in your life, so why not surround yourself with dozens of your best friends for those four years?

 

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