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I'm an ex-lurker, but felt compelled to comment on this thread! I discovered GC about a month before my own OOS daughter went thru rush at Auburn! Ever since it's been my own guilty pleasure.
Most of the advice on these boards is invaluable! Anyone that has looked around on these boards has read about how competitive rush is at Auburn (and at most SEC schools!) Because there are so many great girls in the process, some of those girls are going to slip thru cracks. Is the process flawed -- yes. But, it's the only process there is. And, although some girls get hurt, for the most part it does work.
What bothers me, is the perception of "good" houses. And, honestly, my daughter and I had those perceptions prior to her own recruitment experience. We talked about having an open mind, but after the first round, I think her ranking was somewhat biased by those perceptions.
My daughter had what most would consider a tough rush experience, despite having a nice resume. First round was perfect. Then came the axe! After the 2nd round, she was only left with only one favorite -- a house that most would not consider a "top tier" house. Her legacy chapter released her (I didn't go to Auburn.) She did have an almost full schedule, but she had to take a new look at houses that weren't on her radar the day before. She was very lucky, because in the end, she received a bid from her favorite! But, even if she had not, she was determined to find a sisterhood.
What have I (as her mom) taken away from this experience?
1. There are NO "bad" chapters at Auburn -- when you have this competitive of a rush, all the chapters fill their pledge classes with incredible young women. Who decides anyway, if a chapter is "good" or not? Some chapters may be higher profile, but it doesn't mean that they are any better. Joining an organization for "status" may not be the best reason to be there.
2. There are more similarities than differences among the chapters. Every chapter has bookworms, massive party girls, involved girls, etc.
3. Please remember, when you label chapters, that the labels hurt the women within those chapters.
4. Life isn't always fair. Yes, I wish my daughter had had a perfect rush experience. But, I firmly believe it worked out the way it was supposed to, and there were a few life lessons along the way!
Greek life is not for everyone. For me, it has been a great experience. For some, like me, it will be life long experience, that I'm so happy to have. That's what I hope for my daughters as well. And like anything else, the more you put into it, the more it will give back to you!
Okay -- I will get off my soapbox now, but I feel much better!
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