How can I get my mom to understand why I want to go through rush?
 

Earlier this semester I had to basically drag her to our local alumnae panhellenic forum cause she said it isn't "her thing." The 1 friend I would have gone with was busy and has already registered for her local alumnae panhellenic since we live in different towns. I didn't want to bring my other friends because I knew why they wanted to go to the place which the forum was held and it was for the wrong reasons (in their words, "rich frat boys").

So, my mom came. I dragged her along & I personally had a REALLY great time! I made new friends and we all had a great time when we were told to meet 5 new people and to introduce ourselves. It was fun for me and the other girls, maybe not so much the parents.

Anyways, afterwards, I asked my mom what she thought of it. She looked at me with this face and said "is that what you really want?" and I told her yes. And even now, she still tells me she doesn't understand why I want to put myself through rush. I'd like her to fully understand why I want to go through with this and how important it is to me. I've told her it's really important and I explained why.

I guess without giving too much info away, I have always been involved with 1 particular organization and it means SO much to me. I've met my best friends there(she loves them) and my best memories come from being with that organization. I love having that support group and knowing that whether it's for academics or personal reasons, I can turn to them. I've always had that and to give it up in college is going to be hard to do. The friendships I've created in that organization are beyond amazing and I'm so thankful for meeting my best friends. Aside from that, we also have little groups like Wednesday bible studies and tutoring sessions and we're one big family. I digress lol

She doesn't get why it's important to me and I'd like to get her to understand.

Advice please?

Maybe you should stop trying to get her to "understand" and get her to accept that YOU want it. That's a better deal!

My mom was NOT into community groups, Eastern Star, Farm Women, hospital auxiliary, anything like that. It just wasn't her bag. She would have much rather worked on a political campaign or stayed at home with a good book. She really didn't get it AT ALL when I told her I wanted to go through sorority rush. I told her "well, the girls I've met who are in sororities are all really nice, they seem to be having fun, and I want to have more friends than my long-distance boyfriend's friends." (Quite prescient of me, since they all stopped talking to me except for APO business matters when he and I broke up.) Once she met my sisters, and saw how happy I was, she got it. I think she may have had a lot of misconceptions (everyone is rich, snobby, etc etc). Your mom may have some of the same fears. She'll get it eventually. However, if she is on the fence DON'T BY ANY MEANS call her during rush, because unless you are extraordinarily lucky you will have a disappointment or two. Keep the number of a good older friend on hand to vent to.

This web site may help:

http://www.sororityparents.com/

I think this is an excellent video. Maybe have your mother watch this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un6c-...SP48Q_Q2lQw%3D