This time of year a lot of first-years have the same question on their mind: Should I rush a Greek organization or not? It seems that no matter who you pose this classic question to, it’s guaranteed you will get a definite yes or no.
Had you asked me six months ago, I would have vehemently told you no.
I have never considered rushing a fraternity. For a long time I looked down on Greek life and thought it meant squandering my college experience. I felt like being in a fraternity or a sorority was a fast way to limit the amount of friends you make and the people you interact with, as well as, predetermine that you were going to spend every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night drinking to the point of illness.
When I was a first-year, the people I looked up to told me not to go around “frats,” and I never questioned it. This summer, however, I was required to work at New Student Orientation and, as a result, ended up meeting a lot of people in Greek life. It contradicted my preconceived notions when I began to notice that the Greeks who I met were obviously very involved as they ranged from presidents to social chairs but also were well-rounded, congenial people.
As dumb as it sounds, it turns out Animal House isn’t an accurate depiction of fraternities. I think a lot of us have trouble looking past traditional reputations.
Still the question is whether or not rushing is “worth it.”
After talking with Sara Beth Collier, president of Sigma Kappa, I got a better picture of the pros of rushing. Some of the positive reasons to rush would be to become involved on campus, meet a lot of people, have a full calendar and, as Sara Beth put it, to “break out of her shell.” Another positive of rushing a Greek organization is the personal growth and involvement in Greek life that has made the sometimes overwhelmingly large N.C. State community feel a bit smaller and more like home for people like Sara Beth.
There are several reasons that would still motivate me not to rush. There are very substantial fiscal costs to rushing and gaining membership in a Greek organization. Furthermore, it would limit my exposure to the full wealth and diversity that the N.C. State community has to offer.
If I were to relive my first few weeks of college, I would still not rush. Looking back, I have met a lot of people and become involved in many areas of the University that I would not have had a chance to if I had rushed. If I had filled my time with Greek activities, I would not have been around for the various opportunities that have opened up for me in Student Media.
In my opinion, there is no definitive answer of whether to rush or not. For me personally, the answer is still a vehement no.
If you are reading this looking for advice on rushing, then unfortunately I have to tell you I can’t offer you a clear guide based on my opinion. I’ve come to the realization that Greek life is simply the best thing for some people.
Take the time and investigate everything that the N.C. State community has to offer, and if you find that Greek life is the best place for you, then join. The only definite advice that I can give to anyone is: If you are going to do something, then really do it. Even when I talked to Sara Beth, she told me that joining a fraternity or sorority isn’t worth the money if you aren’t going to invest the time and become highly active. Go out and find campus organizations and get involved. Get active and figure out a way you can make this community of brick a better place to spend four or five years. When you have found the campus organization that enables you to do that, you’ve found the right place for you — even if it’s Greek.
Are you planning on rushing? Send you comments to [email protected].
