To Rush or not to Rush

Sorority.

There’s a big stereotype associated with this word and it seems to have had quite the affect on upcoming freshmen. With the notion of high heels, manicured hands and fake smiles, many young women have come to grimace at the idea of recruitment. I know – I was one of them.

Within the captivating Ohio University, Rush sneaks up pretty quickly. Only a month into your first year of new experiences and new freedoms and you’re handed the opportunity to become a part of something much bigger than yourself. And as daunting as that is, it doesn’t help that the whispers of hazing begin roaming around. This sorority will make you drink, this sorority will make you dress up for class, this sorority will make you maintain a certain weight. And all you wanted to do was come to college and be able to do what you wanted to do.

from flikr, By university.unions

So why Rush?

Why put yourself into a world full of bickering girls in Sperry’s Boat shoes and J.Crew cashmere?

Well, I’m here to say Go Greek for all of OU.

Rumors will spread and fears will grow, but the fact of the matter is that recruitment is an incredible experience. You’ll think you’re going in to be judged, examined and studied to see if you’re good enough for their sorority. If your heels are high enough, if your smiles are bright enough. But that creeping anxiety will dissipate at the sound of cheering girls. Each and every woman in those enticing houses are excited to meet you and welcome you to the experience. They work hard every night to decorate and perfect their homes for their guests, spend hours of their time to make the young women feel welcome. They aren’t just meeting Ohio University freshmen – they’re meeting their future sisters. It’s a bond no one can take away from you – a bond that will surprisingly assist you in the near future. Sorority Alumni reside far across this beautiful country and a shocking amount search for sisters to bring into their careers. They enjoy offering opportunities and internships that beef up a resume enough to impress a future executive or supervisor.

I went into my freshman year with the assumption that I would never carry the title of a ‘sorority girl’. To me, they offered nothing but frat parties and drama. Never did I think they would make the impacts they do. Working with philanthropies such as Diabetes Awareness and Education, the Make A Wish Foundation and Autism Speaks, the many chapters continue to change and improve the world around them.

So, instead of taking all the rumors to heart, I implore freshmen to take their turn in Fall Recruitment. A sisterhood is a kinship you can carry with you for the rest of your lives and it is your turn to join in on the experience. Allow yourself to be welcomed into the Greek system and be confident with the knowledge that they want you.