Rush - What to NOT do or say

[ceruleanstar]

I'll be rushing very soon... Just wanted to ask a quick question about conversation. Last year, I pledged a non-Panhellenic sorority (I'm of an ethnic minority and I thought this would be a great idea to join a GLO with a cultural twist) and depledged because I felt that I was hazed and because I was disappointed with the sorority's lack of enthusiasm and philanthropic work. Should I truthfully mention this at rush if sorority women ask why I didn't do Panhellenic rush last year and/or why I didn't go through with being initiated at the non-Panhellenic sorority? Or would this be seen as trash-talking another GLO?

[Lightning Bug!]

Just say it wasn't what you were looking for...the active rushing you probably will ask, "What are you looking for?" not "What did they do to you?", giving you a chance to talk about what you are looking for in a sisterhood. And if they do ask about the negative ("What happened?"), then restate your first answer and elaborate..."Oh, it just wasn't what I was looking for..I'm really interested in finding a home that offers X, Y, and Z..."

Now if they ask about why you didn't rush in the Panhellenic system last year, then you might say that it took you a year to realize that it was a Panhellenic sorority that would offer you those things that you were looking for.

Originally Posted by ceruleanstar

I'll be rushing very soon... Just wanted to ask a quick question about conversation. Last year, I pledged a non-Panhellenic sorority (I'm of an ethnic minority and I thought this would be a great idea to join a GLO with a cultural twist) and depledged because I felt that I was hazed and because I was disappointed with the sorority's lack of enthusiasm and philanthropic work. Should I truthfully mention this at rush if sorority women ask why I didn't do Panhellenic rush last year and/or why I didn't go through with being initiated at the non-Panhellenic sorority? Or would this be seen as trash-talking another GLO?

I was in the same boat almost 10 years ago...hazed and all.

If asked why you didn't go through Panhellenic rush last year, I'd be straight up and front with them. If they ask why you weren't initiated, just say that you realized that it wasn't a good fit for you, and that's why you left. It's general and it doesn't put anyone down.

Chances are, the girls probably already know how your former group really is, so there's really no need to go into details.

When I joined my NPC sorority, I was up front with them. In fact, it was their Fall pledges who saw me crying at the top of the stairs because I had just come from a really crappy local pledge meeting. I got to know these new girls really well after that, and I was initiated the following Spring.

[ceruleanstar]

Thanks so much, Lightning Bug! and OTW! That really helped.