Meliss,
Thanks for posting. You've definitely come to the right place for Rush advice!
Just wanted to let you know that I was the exact same way when I was in high school. I was shy and didn't say much in groups, and was VERY nervous around strangers, although I could talk my best friend's ear off with no problem.
When I went through Rush, I was rather nervous and didn't say much the first night. I basically answered the questions I was asked and just tried to appear as interested as possible in whatever my rusher was saying. However, it got easier as the days went by because I got used to making small talk. Plus, as I learned more about the sororities each night, I was able to come up with good questions for my rushers.
If you're nervous and worried about being shy/not saying much, my advice is to pay good attention to what the sisters tell you the first night of Rush and then come up with some questions that you can take with you the following night. Planning what you want to ask beforehand will make you a little more confident because you'll know going into each party that you have SOMETHING to discuss. And, usually, once you ask a question, the sisters will take over the conversation and move it along.
Let me just tell you: I am NOT the shy person I was during Rush anymore! Being in the sorority and holding several leadership positions during college helped improve my self-confidence and really opened me up. People who knew me before I pledged DZ are shocked at how much more relaxed I am in groups now. Although I still hate public speaking! lol
Good luck, sweetie. And feel free to ask any of us if you need more advice!
