Caroline Schaeffer

Writer

For many University students, the first few weeks of sophomore year are characterized by high anxiety, no free time, and overall exhaustion. These are the symptoms of sorority/fraternity rush, and with bid day finally behind us, everyone can begin to relax a little more. Since rush is delayed until sophomore year, many students who may be on the fence about the whole recruitment experience have plenty of time to think about it.  If you’re like me, you will continue to debate between “yes” and “no” until you drive yourself insane. Is it really worth it if you’re not completely sold on the Greek system? My answer in the end (having just rushed myself) is a definite yes, but with a note of caution.

Recruitment is hard on everyone. It’s tiring, long, and—at some points—emotionally taxing. That’s reason enough for some people to just avoid the recruitment situation entirely. But if you’re on the fence about it, even if you have a marginal interest in Greek life, I say go for it. What’s the harm in trying? Although my recruitment experience wasn’t all sunshine and laughs, it taught me important lessons about dealing with rejection and keeping a positive attitude. It’s really just about having an open mind—toward rushing in the first place and to the different Greek organizations on campus. It’s easier to start recruitment, decide it’s not for you, and then drop out of the process than it is to realize (as you’re watching hundreds of ecstatic girls run screaming through Smith Quad) that you should have at least given it a shot.

In my opinion, the positives of the experience outweigh the negatives. Even just going through the process, I met so many people who previously I hadn’t even known went to this school. The stress and anxiety of the experience actually helps everyone bond, and it gave me the chance to meet amazing people who I might have never had the chance to meet otherwise. You also get the chance to test out your “small talk skills” which, though painful, can definitely be helpful in future situations like job interviews.

Most importantly, going through recruitment taught me that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Going into recruitment, certain sororities definitely had concrete reputations in my mind, so I was surprised to find that every sorority has different types of people. Without rushing, I think I would have remained ignorant to this fact.

There is really no harm in trying—you might even find the perfect place for you! Give it a shot, even if halfway through the process you decide that it’s not for you. If you never try, you’ll never know.