All of you who are remotely interested in greek life - this is your week. It's all about you. Fraternities and sororities have been working the past few days, even weeks in the case of some sororities, to get you interested in becoming greek. True, you might be saying "Ah, it's just not for me," fair enough, but even if you have an inkling of interest in "rushing," a.k.a. going greek, you should. The question isn't why; rather it is why not? You have nothing to lose. Absolutely nothing to lose this week. And honestly everything to gain by participating in Rush Week (even if you don't get a bid, you still get to meet new people and eat some free food).
For men, you can go to any fraternity house you want to this week. Explore their house. Meet their members. Find out if the fraternity is more than just a drinking club. Figure out what makes these men different from one another. Even if you have "committed" yourself to one fraternity, why not look around before signing your bid to to a specific fraternity. Don't let one fraternity rope you into committing to it; be an individual, not a follower, and look for the best possible option.
If you really don't like any of the fraternities, then don't feel pressured into becoming greek. You'll regret it later. Every fraternity member knows of a guy who rushed, pledged, become a new member, went on to be initiated and later quit because greek life wasn't for him. Don't be that guy. Make a wise decision this week. And ask as many questions as you can to as many people as possible.
For women, you might be a little late in signing up today to go greek. Sorry. Sororities have a much different set of rules when it comes to Rush Week. For them it's a lot of show tunes, fake smiles and puppetry to entice women into being a sister. Why they have so many different outfits, songs and facade-like parties for potential members is beyond me. Most sorority women disagree with how this week works. Some feel pressured into smiling, despite hating their sisters, while others feel uncomfortable in a small room with 40 women. What really eats at sisters is all the practicing that goes into this week. It's demanding for them.
The best advice for women is look beyond the songs, dances and shows sororities put on and see how these women really are as people. Do their personalities match yours? Are they anything like you? Will you fit in when you are around these women? Do you agree with their outlook on life? Sororities are far different from fraternities.
One big life lesson can be learned from this bizarre ordeal called Rush Week. Think before you act. Think. Then act. If you act then think, you might act again. How many times in your life have you made a rash decision only to think later "Gosh, I made a stupid choice"? Don't let this week trip you up. If this is what you want to do, then do it. Put all your heart and soul into greek life. I did. I don't regret a single day being in a fraternity. Sure there is drama. Sure there are times when you wish you weren't greek. The good times outweigh the bad 10-fold. Like I said, explore Riverside Avenue this week, and don't be afraid to say no to drinking clubs masking themselves as fraternities.
Here are some questions to ask when rushing this week:
-Is the fraternity or sorority based on a motto, principle or religious belief?
-What is the average grade point average of the fraternity brothers or sorority sisters?
-Do they care about academics?
-Has this fraternity or sorority been in trouble with the law in the past few years?
-Do you find yourself at home with this fraternity or sorority, or do you feel like you have to be someone else to fit in?
-Will these brothers or sisters be there for you in good times and bad?
Write to Ryan at ryanstemen@gmail.com
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