Should I rush?

[icicle22]

Originally Posted by CuriousWildcat

I have found that with my parents its always best to have sort of a presentation prepared. I had to convince my parents to let me rush. In my "presentation" I told them what rush would be like and the pros/cons of joining a sorority. I researched online to find out the questions that parents usually ask. Here is the link to the UK Greek parent guide. It's from 2005, but the questions and info at the end should help you with some of the problems your parents may have with joining a GLO.


http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Gr...tguide2005.pdf

You might want to see if there is something like this on your school's website that is more specific to their rules/policies.

Yeah...I was thinking of making a presentation myself, which would show the pros and cons on being Greek, as well as the costs of housing and being a member.

[knitsnpurls]

My parents weren't against me joining a sorority, but they were somewhat resistant to the idea at first for several reasons. One of which being the stereotypes, and another was the cost. As a junior, joining a sorority was not an expense they had planned for ahead of time.

I talked to them about it gradually and involved them in the whole process. I visited our Greek Affairs website with my mom, pointed out friends of mine who were in sororities, and gave them links to the national websites of all the sororities on my campus. And throughout rush, I would call home each night and tell my parents what I had done that day and how I was feeling. It wasn't until a few hours before Pref Night, that both of my parents told me to go for it and not to worry.

I think the logic behind it was to see how badly I really wanted it. If it was just an impulse they could talk me out of, or if it was something I was really willing to stick out. A few weeks ago, my mom told me it's the happiest and most outgoing she's ever seen me and that they definitely made the right choice in letting me join.

Long story short, it's definitely possible to win over parents who aren't exactly thrilled at first, just try to keep them as informed as possible. Good luck!

[icicle22]

I think I should at least keep them informed, at least that is the best course of action.

[adpiucf]

My parents weren't supportive, but I decided that since I was paying for college that I would be making the decisions on how to spend my time and my money, especially since I was working my way through. On Bid Day, I got a really nice surprise: not only did I get my first choice but my parents were so happy for me that they paid my entire first semester's dues. After that, they remained a bit skeptical of the value of my membership, but we won them over during Parents Weekend. Since then, they have met my Greek friends and sorority sisters, and have come to see it is a supportive and enriching environment.

[tinkerbellnell]

My parents arent really that supportive. They think that its dangerous, because they believe the things that are shown in movies. But, they can trust that if I was in a situation where there could be physical harm that I wouldnt just go along with it. Its dissapointing to me that they think so badly about an organization that Im looking to join myself with for life, but hopefully with time as I go through rush and then hopefully new membering (keep your fingers crossed) they will understand.

[AGDee]

My dad was totally supportive because he is a TKE. My mom, however, was not at all supportive because she wasn't in a sorority and dated a TKE. Apparently, the sorority women at that time (late 50's) weren't too pleased that a GDI was dating a fraternity man and treated her poorly. Once I had joined though, and she had attended our first Mother-Daughter tea, she was so impressed with the women in my chapter that she became very supportive. She is still supportive as I'm involved as an alumna now. She recently said "I think that sorority thing you do is a really good thing".

[icicle22]

Originally Posted by tinkerbellnell

My parents arent really that supportive. They think that its dangerous, because they believe the things that are shown in movies. But, they can trust that if I was in a situation where there could be physical harm that I wouldnt just go along with it. Its dissapointing to me that they think so badly about an organization that Im looking to join myself with for life, but hopefully with time as I go through rush and then hopefully new membering (keep your fingers crossed) they will understand.

I would most likely discuss it gradually with your parents if I were you...just as I will as well.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by icicle22

I would most likely discuss it gradually with your parents if I were you...just as I will as well.

Please don't be the person who rushes first and then tells your parents that you just pledged. It doesn't sound like this is your plan, but remember that it takes a spot away from someone else.