The idea of Greek life was always ingrained in my head as something out of a movie. Rude girls, social anxiety inducing parties and the concept of “buying friends” all came to mind when I thought of rushing. Being someone who isn’t skinny or social, I began to doubt my place in the Greek system. After a lot of thought, I decided to give sororities a try and go to a Greek call out meeting. Two years later, I hold 5 positions in my sorority, I adore my “little” and I’ve gotten very involved in the panhellenic community that governs sorority life on campus. After experiencing recruitment on both sides, I think I’ve learned a couple things along the way. Here are 5 pieces of advice to anyone considering rushing (and some cute pics of me and my sisters):

Rush is Not an Easy Process:

I’m not going to lie to you, sorority recruitment can get tough. No matter what side your on, being rushed or rushing for your house, things get very tiring very quickly. Days are long, you have the same conversations over and over, and your shoes always end up hurting you. This process is grueling but trust me, it’s worth it. It’s a long process so that you get every opportunity to pick the chapter that’s right for you. The women rushing you will always seem happy and energized but believe me, we want to take a nap just as bad as you do.

The Feeling Will Not Always be Mutual:

Chances are, you might fall in love with a few houses that won’t call you back, and that is OK. In the moment it might be tough, especially if it’s a day when your list is cut shorter than you expected it to be. Try your best not to take this personally. You may have had a great time at a chapter, loved the house and the women you talked to, and thought you’d be invited back. The women in that chapter may have loved getting to know you, but they know deep down if you fit with their sisters and values. You have to trust that they made the right call and always remember that if they don’t want to extend you a bid, you probably would not have found your home there anyway. Who wants to be in a house where they don’t want you?

There is Life Outside of Greek Life:

Although I love the Greek community I’ve found on my campus, it’s important to realize that being in a house is NOT the end-all-be-all of your college life. If you decide that rush isn’t for you and you decide to drop, there are plenty of other social opportunities on campus. Same goes if you decline your bid, drop your house or decide not to rush at all. I make it a priority to be involved in other activities besides my chapter to ensure a well rounded college experience. Trust me, you’ll still have a fun time in college if you aren’t in Greek life! 

Don’t Get Caught Up In The “Frills”:

During sorority recruitment, chapter houses and their women are dressed to the nines. Beautiful decorations, yummy treats and amazing outfits will have you starry-eyed for chapters that you may not actually connect with. It’s totally OK to gawk at the flower walls and matching dresses, but remember what you endured recruitment to find – a sisterhood, not just a beautifully decorated formal living room.

Being Yourself Is The Only Way To Find Your People:

It’s easy to get wrapped up in trying to be perfect during recruitment. You want these girls to like you, to choose you to be their sister, but that’s only going to happen if you show them the real you. If your personality isn’t what a chapter is looking for, don’t change it. Just understand that isn’t your chapter, and go find girls who want you for exactly who you are. 

Sorority recruitment can look very daunting from the outside. Pretty houses, busy schedules, SO many names to remember….. you get the point. But remember that if it’s something you want, it’s a process that will bring you straight to where you’re supposed to be.