Thread: Rushing lonely
View Single Post
  #12  
Old 05-23-2008, 09:01 AM
Katmandu Katmandu is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 938
I commend you for wanting to step outside your comfort zone, and to challenge yourself with new experiences.

A couple of questions/comments.... are you self-diagnosed, or are you in treatment/therapy for SAD? If you are not in treatment, you might want to consider that, because as other posters have noted, joining a sorority won't necessarily change you, and therapy and medication can go a long way in helping.

If you ARE in therapy, discuss your desire to go through recruitment with your counselor or therapist. Role-playing, discussing possible scenarios, talking out typical recruitment questions, (read rush threads for info about typical recruitment conversations) could be very helpful.

I know it's the end of the year, but those sorority women you are already acquainted with could be great resources for you. Is there one that seems particularly approachable? If so, make an effort to get to know her. Don't necessarily spill your life story, or go into great detail about social anxiety, as that could backfire. Just reach out a bit. Maybe one of them is introverted/shy/anxious as well. Sometimes people respond when you reach out, sometimes they don't, but you will have made that first step and regardless of the outcome, you will have been proactive.

I agree with the other posters about not being too clinical or detailed in what you say to the actives during recruitment. Acknowledging shyness or introversion is something almost everyone can identify with. Many 19 or 20 year old college women would have no experience or understanding of Social Anxiety Disorder, and would only hear the word, "Disorder", which would be a shame.

As Violetpretty noted, having some great questions of your own to ask is a wonderful preparation for all PNMs. All actives love to talk about their chapter, their bigs/littles, activities, etc.

Another suggestion: Do you know, or can you locate, any recent graduates, women around 25-28 who were in sororities who might help you prepare for recruitment? They could talk you through the typical party talk, help you with recs, etc. A sorority alum in her mid to late 20's would be old enough to really understand your situation in a way that college women might not, yet be young enough to be savvy about recruitment. Contact your local panhellenic or greek life office to see if you can meet some people, or ask around at church, your old school, mom's friends, etc. Someone is bound to know someone, and the effort you make in contacting someone might be a good experience for you.

Recs are going to be critical for you. A good rec from someone who can talk about your qualities of loyalty, sweetness, etc. could make the difference between a chapter saying, "she seems uninterested" to a chapter saying, "she would make a great member". Turn over every stone to find recs and/or letters of support for each chapter on campus. You might be surprised to find teachers, mom's friends, etc. who were in glos.

Best of luck to you! I will be thinking of you and sending good vibes your way!
Reply With Quote