Rush. On college campuses, it’s either the word you roll your eyes at or the word that brings butterflies to your stomach. In my case, last year, it was the only word I dreaded as a college student. I could handle academics, but my social life was practically nonexistent.
The idea that I could potentially ease my social discomfort was appealing, and I do not regret my decision to rush. A lot of my friends enjoyed the experience, but I did encounter plenty of fellow students who were openly disapproving of the rush process. These people saw rush as a vain, meaningless process. Rush to them was a way to feign friendship with self-obsessed, trashy members of campus. To me, however, rush was a way to learn more about myself, and to find a home away from home.
Rushing a sorority or a frat is intimidating, and it often times feels like a competition between you and your peers. When I first began the process, despite encouragement from family members and friends, I was nervous. I was nervous that my friends were more socially skilled than me, and that every one except for me would find a group where they belonged. I was nervous that I wasn’t attractive enough, and that my physical features would either break or make me.
As soon as I dove into the process, I was shocked and relieved to realize that looks didn’t matter. I was welcomed by each chapter with open arms. I had no idea what to expect, nor was I prepared to meet and be judged by hundreds of strangers. It’s normal to feel anxious about rush, and while in the moment it may seem like you’re doomed to a friendless fate, I encourage those of you considering rushing to stay open-minded to the process.
While the rush process varies from school to school, I am thankful that our campus’ rush process is simple. Although we spend long hours getting to know each chapter on campus, there are less students at Augustana, which makes rushing easier. There are less faces and names watching us, and thus a greater chance that we will remember who we meet along the way.
One of the greatest takeaways from rush is the chance to learn more about your peers as well as yourself. From my personal experience, the questions members of greek life asked me not only helped them get to know me, but it helped me understand myself even more. I was able to discover different layers of my personality, all while learning about the traditions and morals of each chapter.
Yes, rushing is terrifying and a lot to process. Yes, you may feel socially awkward. Rushing was the best decision I’ve made in a while, and while it is easy to make assumptions about Greek Life, I would give it a chance.