Now and Then: A Recruitment Story
 

In August, I first thought about rushing. I had decided it was not for me over the summer, but the first week of school I saw a poster in my dorm and thought, “hey, why not?” So I went to my lounge and met with my Rho Gammas. They were so nice and happy to be there that it kind of changed my mind. I got really excited about the process.

There was Allison, brunette and silly. She had a “mom” vibe about her—but in the sense that she’d be there to take care of you.

Then there was Katie—a bubbly blonde who wanted to be everyone’s best friend.

As they handed out some paperwork, I looked around at the other girls in my group. The majority of my hall was present. There were girls of all sizes, races, shapes, etc. Some were outgoing, others were shy. I wondered where everyone would end up. Some girls already seemed to know which houses they wanted—I didn’t even know any of the names!

I was clueless.

And so it begins...
 

A few months later, we had Open Houses. Open houses were like a glimpse of what Round One would be like in the spring. For the sake of timely updates, I am going to skip open houses and just tell you I loved them all.

My school has 9 sororities.

In ABC order they are:

Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Gamma Delta
Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha Phi
Alpha Xi Delta
Delta Gamma
Gamma Phi Beta
Kappa Alpha Theta
Pi Beta Phi

For code names I have chosen some of my favorite artists. Also in ABC order:

Chagall
Dali
Degas
Miro
O’Keefe
Picasso
Seurat
Van Gogh
Warhol


So flash forward to Rush starting. It was a new year, and everyone had moved into the dorms. Well, all the girls at least. We met with our Rho Gammas, went to a meeting explaining the rules, and were assigned t-shirts. These shirts were kind of ugly and everyone disappointed.

Whatever the case, bright and early we all woke up to get ready. Rush had officially begun!

The first house we were going to visit was Miro. We were greeted with a very catchy song and the banging of pots and pans against the walls. After what seemed like an eternity, we were permitted to enter the building. I was really impressed by how gorgeous it was inside. The first girl I spoke to was very nice, and we had the same major. The other girls I met were really nice, too. I had a good feeling from this house. I was very surprised when our time was up. I didn’t really want to leave, but at least I would meet more chapters!

The next house was Picasso. I wasn’t quite as nervous now that I knew what to expect. This house was blasting a rap song about their house, which I remember being extremely impressed by. I spoke to several girls, including a varsity athlete. I was assured by this being an athlete myself—I was worried a sorority might be too big of a time commitment. I was super excited when I left; I really liked Picasso.

The next house was Degas. I had already formed an opinion from open houses, but I was determined to keep an open mind. Their theme was adorable; it took a famous company and integrated their sorority name. It was REALLY CUTE. The girls were so nice. I had seen one in a play, and turns out I went to junior prom with another! Still, I did not really click. I left the house glad to have met the girls, but I knew it was not for me.

Chagall was a lot of fun. Lots of singing as we walked to the door. I knew several girls in this house; I had gone to lunch with a few, worked with another, and played sports with another. We went inside and it got SO LOUD. I met a lot of awesome people. The house dipped a little in my mind, but I left knowing I would be happy as a Chagall.

My favorite house from openhouses was next. I was so excited. Dali had a sports theme. I was paired with a very familiar face—turns out we met before my school even started! Another girl complimented my bracelet which made me really happy. I had decided this was my absolute favorite house and almost didn’t want to leave.

The next house was Seurat. These girls were super friendly and down-to-earth. I knew one of them from before school, as well. I had a really enjoyable time here. One of my favorites.

Warhol followed. They sang SOOO loud. I was super excited. I walked in and was greeted by a blonde Barbie frenzy. I really liked everyone I spoke to, and one of the girls from my team even came over to say hello! I left really liking this house.

Van Gogh was just “eh.” I was paired with a girl from one of my classes, which was nice, but we were very different. I remember thinking the house was pretty and the girls were nice—but that was true of every house.

The last stop was O’Keefe. The house was beautiful and the girls were really diverse. I felt like one girl did theater, one was an engineer, one ran a program at a battered women’s shelter, etc. And they had a very good GPA. I got a good vibe from this house, as well.


When we got our results, I had gotten invited back to 7 out of 9 houses. I cut one as we could only go to 6 the next day.

My list looked like this:

Dali
Seurat
Van Gogh
Miro
Picasso
Chagall

No worries, they don't match.

Go Degas! He's my favorite! I'll have to look up Chagall...I'm not familiar with that name. Hmm...need to visit more museums!

P.S. Looked him up! His stained glass at the UN is beautiful, but I still like Degas better!!

Alright Dali!!!!

I'm rooting for Dali! He's my favorite!

My vote goes to
http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-imag...icasso4602.jpg

Picasso.

I'm rooting for Chagall, in honor of the piece of his artwork that my Museum had donated to its collection recently!