This took longer than I wanted it to but then again--so did my work day......
My own undergrad rush experience was the pits. I don't necessarily blame the girls involved w/ the GLOs, because the entire Greek system was getting back on its collective feet at the time. (I've posted the stories before in other threads, so I wont' bore anyone w/ it again. If you'd like a synopsis, drop me a PM
)
Anywho, I would like to have heard before and after rush:
"We try to match rushees with a group that fits their interests, personality, etc. Keep in mind, there are complex rules set by NPC, plus membership limits set by the school. We have no control over this. We try to get everyone a bid to a place where they are comfortable, but we can not guarantee it. Some people have not been happy with the process, some people do not get bids. If for some reason you do not receive a bid, or your first choice, please do not be hard on yourself. Not getting a bid is sometimes an issue of numbers, or other problems. It does not mean you are a "loser", or are less of a good person than other girls. Sometimes, it honestly just does not work out."
That might have helped me to clarify the situation a little better.
When I first logged on to GC, I was enthused and reassured with some very positive posts about what an asset I'd be to a GLO as an alum. However--I also know that nothing is definite about recruitment, just as it was then. It's easier to recognize that, even without people pointing it out because I'm approaching GLO "pledging" as a 34-year-old woman who has more life-experience than an 18-year-old freshman. When girls are experiencing life on their own for the first time, it's best to state the obvious, IMHO.
I also agree that maybe some training for PXs in dealing w/ girls who are disappointed in their results or who have unrealistic expectations would go a *very* long way in softening "unfortunate" blows.
One other thing that I've noticed: the people who described the "enthusiastic" PXs who make promises about the number of invites, etc are at SEC schools, aka, The Deep South. I'm from the East Coast, 99% of my ancestry is from New York and New England. The South and the East Coast are two entirely different worlds. For example, the straightforward speech I gave above could be construed as "harsh" or "rude" south of the Mason-Dixon line. But where I come from, it is honest and helpful. Conversely, the soft, always-positive encouragement in the South can be seen as dishonest up north. Has anyone else noticed this?
Thanx for a great discussion, folks, keep it coming!
Adrienne (PNAM-2003)
