Small school retro rush story

[IrishLake]

In the interest of keeping you folks entertained at work, I'll write up my rush story from the late 90's. When I worked full-time, those boring days at the office were often filled with reading forums like this, so I hope you all enjoy! I think this is especially entertaining because I had a HORRIBLE roomate, and the outcome of rush ended up costing me a friend.

I went to Ohio Northern University, a small libral arts college in west-central Ohio. Until the last few years, there wasnt even a McDonalds in the small town of Ada. We had a Hardee's, a few pizza joints, 2 bars, and my sophomore year we got a Taco Bell (). With a student population of 3,200, and the nearest decent sized cities about 30 minutes away, greek life was (and still is) very popular.

The summer before fall quarter my freshman year, I attended a two week chemistry refresher class, for incoming science students who hadnt had chemistry since their sohpomore or junior year of high school. There I met Julie, who became my chemistry buddy. It was too late for us to request that the school assign us as roomates (we already had our roomate assignments), but we promised to look eachother up once we both got onto campus.

Labor Day weekend rolled around, and I moved in on that Saturday. My roomate was from BFE West Virginia. She was a very interesting girl, and though we had the same major, we had nothing else in common. I quickly became friends with 4 girls in the 2 rooms across the hall. Ann, Melissa, Nicole and Amanda were all really funny, easy to talk to girls. The 5 of us would sit in the hallway and talk all the time. Amanda and I bonded the closest. We both were very social people, and were looking forward to the social (read - partying) aspect of college. She agreed to come with me to go find Julie, who was in the large freshman dorm across campus. (We got stuck in an antiquated army barracks type overflow dorm). Naturally, the three of us became fast friends and decided we had to find a party for the next few weeks. It was then that we first heard about the GLOs on campus. Julie's RA was a girl named Jess. Jess overheard us talking about wanting to go to the frats, but not knowning anyone, we were aprehensive. She agreed to take a group of freshman girls around to some of the frat houses to meet people. It was from Jess and the various frat guys that we began to hear about greek life.

Julie already knew she was going to rush. Her older sister was a Kappa Delta, and even thought ONU didnt have a KD chapter, Julie knew she wanted a bond of sisterhood, like her own sister had. Amanda and I hadn't really thought about it. But because she and I lived across the hall from each other, and because we clicked so well, we both agreed it was at least worth a shot and a good way to meet more people (since our dorm was so isolated, and a mishmash of people). Melissa, Ann, and Nicole were rushing as well. To look at me, and even know me, I am NOT a typical sorority girl. People from home were shocked that I was rushing. I was the first girl from my high school graduating class to go through rush (others did in later years at their respective colleges). But... college is different for everyone. Had I gone to a larger college, I may not have gone through with it.

Open house was 2 weeks after moving in weekend. The 4 chapters at ONU were:

Delta Zeta (DZ)
Kappa Alpha Theta (Theta)
Zeta Tau Alpha (Zeta)
Alpha Xi Delta (Alpha Zee - they are not known as Fuzzies at ONU)

I will call them (in random order - named for Ohio towns):
Toledo
Columbus
Cleveland
and Dayton

There were 4 rounds of rush at ONU:
Open house (4 houses)
Philanthropy aka First round (4 houses)
Skit aka second round (3 houses)
Preference aka third round (2 houses)

Or dorm was assigned a great rush counselor (RC). She was enthusiastic, without being in your face about it. She understood that Amanda and I were doing it just to meet people, and that we likely wouldn't pledge anywhere. We didn't think we were sorority girl material. On open house day, we all dressed casually (khakis, nice tops, sandals mostly). All houses were located off campus, and were a bit of a walk.

The first house was Toledo. I wasn't sure what to expect. At such a small school, stereotypes dominate. But I knew enough to keep an open mind and not characterize everyone the same. The Toledo house was known as the party house. Even from our few visits to some frat parties, Amanda and I witnessed a strong Toledo presence at them all. At first, we both kinda thought because of this, if we went anywhere, it would be here. We were greeted by the whole sisterhood in their great room, in your face cheering, a HUGE amount of energy. I had no idea that one collective group of 80-some girls could be THIS excited about rush!!! I was completely overwhelmed. The Toledo sister I was paired with was a senior, and an extremely energetic sister. We had a good conversation, but she really didn't let me talk at all. She would ask me a question, and would interrupt me before I was finished answering. That and the over the top energy put me off slightly, but I knew other Toledo sisters were not all the same. The actual Toledo house was older, but big. About 16 girls lived in it, but parts of the house were pretty shabby and needed some work. It was also the house furthest away from campus. Amanda fell in love with the Toledo house, but I would need some more convincing.

The second house was the Dayton house. I really don't like mentioning stereotypes, but it is indeed a real part of rush. I'm not going to divulge what the stereotype was though, it was cruel. My RA, as well as Julie's RA, were both Dayton girls, and they didnt fit the stereotype, so I didn't put much stock in it. At this house, we were greated with tasteful singing though, much better than being screamed at. I was actually paired up with the Little of Jess the RA. When Jess noticed her Little had me, she joined us on the house tour. Not going to lie, both of them rubbed me wrong. I just was not clicking with them. They felt fake, and the conversation felt forced. Their actual house was also a large one, housing about 20 girls. But they had less room than the Toledo house did, and things were cramped. Their house also felt like it was on the verge of being condemed. It was ancient, and needed a LOT of updating (dark wood panelling throughout - depressing!). Amanda and I were both really happy to get out of there.

The next house was the Columbus house. It was a really small house, not in membership, but in size! Only 8 sisters lived there. It was very nice though, and tastefully decorated. It looked like an actual residential home, not a sorority house. We were greeted with more tasteful singing, thank goodness. I don't remember who I was paired up with, but I remember loving the exhibits. In each of the 4 bedrooms, there was a display about current sisters, Columbus history (local and national), etc. The stereotype for the Columbus house was the smarties/athletes/hot girls. I really didn't fit in with the stereotype, I felt. Yes, I was smart, yes I was an athlete, but I wasn't HOT, and that's what the frat guys thought about the Columbus house. It made me a little self conscious, because I didn't see a single non-hot girl the entire time I was there. They were all beautiful, friendly, and just oozed confidence. I left feeling good about them, but unsure, because I didn't fit the stereotype. Amanda wasn't so sure about them, she thought they were too pretty.

The last house was the Cleveland house. I was paired up with a girl who actually had gone to a rival high school. Monica and I clicked! We had a lot of mutual friends from home, and really got along well. The Cleveland house was known as the girls-next door, with a few oddballs thrown in the mix (some people thought them the "weird" girl sorority"). Their house was also beautiful, and home to about 15 girls. I loved the decor, and everyone I talked to. It felt like home. Amanda did NOT like this house at all.

When we left, I called Julie to see what her thoughts were. She liked Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo, and didn't like the Cleveland house at all. (She got paired up with one of the weird ones...)

I didn't have to rank at the end of Open House, that won't come until after philanthropy round. First round was the very next day.

More to come later!

[Kappamd]

OHIO THREAD!

Cleveland rocks!

[33girl]

I'm sad that you did not include Youngstown among your cities. Although I can't blame you for fearing lawsuit by the sororities if you did. HAHAHAHAHA

[IrishLake]

Personally, I do not consider Youngstown to be a part of Ohio. That part of the state is a commonwealth unto itself! lol...

[Benzgirl]

Ada is so cold. And Flat!

[PhoenixAzul]

YES! An OAC thread!

Part of me wants to root for Columbus, because, well, Otterbein is there! But then, Cleveland sounds exactly like my chapter. It's shocking how similar your story is to any one that would be written about Otterbein...down to the chapter descriptions and even descriptions of the houses.

ETA: Re: Youngstown....We consider Youngstown to be a colony of Pittsburgh .

[IrishLake]

Ada is SO freezing, and SO flat... the quad on campus is known as The Tundra, because that's exactly what it feels like when you have to walk across it to get from point A to point B in the middle of winter.

Are there very many other OAC threads? I'm partial to all things Ohio, of course, so I'd love to read them. And with my sisters pending Recruitment at OU this coming fall, it's got me thinking back to the good ol' days a LOT! My brother went to John Carroll, though he wasn't greek (he played football and was army ROTC). My husband's cousin went to Otterbein, and she was greek! Another of his 2 cousins went to Capital, and were greek as well. I think those colleges only have local GLO's though, don't they? A cousin of my own also went to Otterbein, as well as one of my Uncles. Seems like I have a connection to every college in this state! Even the Appalachian ones like Marietta and Shawnee State!

[ihearttrisigma]

Very cool. I have a friend who went to ONU and is in a sorority (she graduated years ago, however!) Can't wait to see where you ended up!

[Benzgirl]

Originally Posted by IrishLake

Ada is SO freezing, and SO flat... the quad on campus is known as The Tundra, because that's exactly what it feels like when you have to walk across it to get from point A to point B in the middle of winter.

Are there very many other OAC threads? I'm partial to all things Ohio, of course, so I'd love to read them. And with my sisters pending Recruitment at OU this coming fall, it's got me thinking back to the good ol' days a LOT! My brother went to John Carroll, though he wasn't greek (he played football and was army ROTC). My husband's cousin went to Otterbein, and she was greek! Another of his 2 cousins went to Capital, and were greek as well. I think those colleges only have local GLO's though, don't they? A cousin of my own also went to Otterbein, as well as one of my Uncles. Seems like I have a connection to every college in this state! Even the Appalachian ones like Marietta and Shawnee State!

Now if I can just get my niece to go through recruitment at UC this fall!

[IrishLake]

Philanthropy round wasn't super memorable for any of the houses. It's hard to think of activites to have rushee's do, I guess. I won't divulge too much information, because it will give the philanthropies away.

Each house had a space in the Student Union (McIntosh), so it was air conditioned and we didn't have to walk far. We were still allowed to wear casual clothing.

Cleveland was first. I loved their philanthropy and the fundraisers they did throughout the year that benefited the philanthropy org, as well as the community. The girl I was paired with was another girl from the same rival high school that Monica went to. More talk of mutual friends, and our hometown area. I really enjoyed myself! I knew I would be coming back.

Dayton came next. Sadly, this was when I knew Dayton and I would be parting ways. I was paired with a girl who was very dull, and patronizing at that. I could tell she wasn't happy to be there, and she spent more time talking to the sister next to her. It's not because of this that I dropped them, we just didn't click. The craft we made was also dumb. Mine was horrible, and worth chucking into the trash, which was when my Dayton girl became patronizing... "oh... that's so good, you're really creative." Are you kidding me? Barf. I knew Dayton was home to many great girls (like my RA, who was amazing, I loved her), but it just wasn't for me. I didn't feel comfortable.

Toledo was third. I don't really remember much, and there's not much in my notes, but I did enjoy the girl I was paired with. We had the same major, and we sat next to Amanda and her Toledo girl when we made our crafts. The 4 of us girls had a great time. Their philanthropy was a good one, and their fundraisers during the year were very Toledo-focused. Amanda still loved Toledo.

Columbus was last. Their philanthropy was one I wasn't very familiar with, but the craft activity made me feel like I was doing something worthwhile. They also had some really impressive fund raisers during the year, really fun ones that involved a lot of the campus and town community. Again, I was really impressed by this beautiful group of girls. The girl I was paired with had the same first name as I and was a theatre major, so she was not what I was accustomed to. But she was incredibly nice.

So, I had to rank at the end of this round and drop one chapter.
1. Cleveland
2. Columbus
3. Toledo
4. Dayton (drop)

I received notice the next day that I got invites to return back to all of my top 3. Skit/second round was the following Friday. I HATED having to wait a whole week. I did know girls who got dropped by their favorites right away, and I knew girls who only received invites back to one or two houses for second round. I was very fortunate!

Amanda and Julie both dropped Cleveland, and were invited back to Columbus, Toledo and Dayton. The other girls I cared about... NIcole KNEW she was going to be a Cleveland. She was a legacy, and her long time boyfriend was a member of the fraternity that the Clevelands were very close to. Melissa didn't really know, but she really liked Dayton and Columbus. Ann was like me and also dropped Dayton, and was leaning towards Cleveland.


So, after living with my roomate for about 2-3 weeks by now... I KNEW things were not going to work out. She was up by 5:00 am every single day, and she was not quiet about it. (I usually rolled out of bed at 7:45 in time to get to my 8:00 class). She would make herself espresso (LOUD), and she would call her mom, who had to be up at 5:00am also. She also was in bed at 8pm and asleep by 9pm. EVERY SINGLE DAY. I am not a morning person in the slightest. I go to bed at 2 am, and I'm up between 7 and 8am (even to this day), but I'm not functional until after 10am. Well, my roomate thought it was incredibly dumb of me to be going through rush. She thought I should be hanging out with her. I tried to bring her with us when we went to the frat houses, and she came one time. But she left. Straight up disappeared about 30 minutes after we got there. I panicked, thinking horrible things... nope, she went back to our room, didnt tell anyone. I was not happy. She would tell me horrible stories, like about her infected pierced belly-button and yeast infections. Then she invited me to go to the athletic center to go SWIMMING... and since I didnt have a suit of my own, I could borrow one of hers!!!!!!!!!!!!! REALLY????? After telling me all about your horrible yeast infections???? I gagged. Anyway, she made rush really difficult. Even though all the girls in the room around her were doing it, she felt the need to let us know it was dumb. I ended up having to say something to my RA, who spoke to my roomie about how the girls in our wing were uncomfortable with her outspoken opinions of greek life. That shut her up, but only for a little bit.

[PhoenixAzul]

Originally Posted by IrishLake

. I think those colleges only have local GLO's though, don't they?

I think that there's a few NPC/NIC orgs scattered in there for good measure...even at OC (which is now yet another OU!), we had Alpha Sigma Phi represented in the fraternities, and the NPHC orgs had city-wide chapters that were represented on our campus. The sororities, however, seem to be more staunchly local. It seems to be an Ohio thing.

[IrishLake]

Skit round/Second round. This was a HUGE round, because we would have to decide who to choose for preference at the end of the night. This was a more formal round, with hors d'oeuvres served at all three, and clothing became more formal as well. Again, I won't divulge too much info about the skits, because it will give away what house they were...

First up was Columbus. Holy mother of all skit rounds... they were PHENOMONAL. I was paired with a girl named Erin. She was the roomate of the girl I had at the first round. She was wonderful! We could hardly stop talking. Every sister she introduced me to was so friendly and open. I loved them all! I learned things about their chapter that I didn't know before, things that set them aside from the others. Then during the skit, Erins roomate sang a solo for the closing song... AMAZING!!! She was so good, nearly brought a tear to my eye. They REALLY set the bar high for the other two groups. But I still wasn't sure I woud fit in here.

Cleveland came next. I was paired with Monica again. Again, I had a great time, met even more sisters. Had some great conversations and enjoyed great food. Their skit... It just wasn't that impressive. But I still loved this group. I knew I would be a good fit.

Toledo was last. The entire room was decorated in their colors, and each girl wore matching outfits for the skit. It hurt my eyes... I was paired with a new girl who had no real connection with any of the others I had been partnered with before. then the skit... was "Grease" themed. I hate Grease. And again, it was sisters (almost the entire chapter) screaming the words to the songs at each other. I left with a headache.

So tonight's choice was easy.
1. Columbus
2. Cleveland
3. Toledo (drop)

Columbus and Cleveland were dead even. I had apprehensions about both, but knew I would be a fit at either. Obviously, by this time I knew if I was offered a bid to either, I would take it. I had talked to my parents during the week, and we worked soemthing out as far as finances. So I was good to go.

I got notice the next morning, that I had been invited back to both Cleveland and Columbus. I was very happy!

Amanda and Julie both were invited back to Toledo and Columbus. Nicole was suiciding Cleveland at this point. Melissa was only invited back to Columbus, and Ann was only invited back to Cleveland.

[KSUViolet06]

I love Ohio threads! I have a couple of friends who are sorority alumnae from ONU.

[TPA85]

YAY for an Ohio story! Absolutely wanted Dayton to come out on top but oh well.

[KSUViolet06]

IrishLake, I am pretty sure we had an ONU thread here before. I want to say that the threadstarter was an AZD. I'll have to look it up.