I just thought you should know that these forums do help - a lot! Many times the witty comments have caught my eye and made me laugh. I was never in a sorority but my daughter has always wanted to be in one the worst way. So when she got into the University of Florida in February she told me she wanted to rush.
I really couldn't give her advice so we started talking to a LOT of people. I found these forums and used them to make sure I was supportive throughout the process because that seemed to be one of the most important points. If she asked me a question, sometimes I'd respond - "Did you check out the GreekChat forums?"
I've read the Gator rush story this past week and smiled because I knew that wasn't my daughter but her story is similar. Her rush experience was nothing but POSITIVE and FUN, and I can tell she ENJOYED every single minute of it.
Some thoughts off the top of my head:
1. She didn't get recs to all the houses, and in the end, the house she ended up in (pardon me if I say anything wrong because I'm not Greek - LOL) I don't believe she had a rec.
2. She planned her outfits very carefully and put together a lot of things to help during rush (such as the Frosty Towels!).
3. The first day she was nervous but she said as the day wore on and she visited houses and talked to girls, it just became a more amazing experience and she began to feel more comfortable.
4. She had nothing but postive things to say about her rho chi(?) - advisor.
5. She was so impressed with the structure, organization, tradition, sisterhood she witnessed and LOVED every minute of it. (I'm impressed of the organization for such a large rush class; I honestly don't know how it is done!)
6. I think she was already in Greek withdrawal the first day of classes missing the intensive 4 days of rush.
7. She was always excited and positive at the end of each day on each and every house and loved so many of them that she also had a hard time narrowing down.
8. Preferential night was wonderful and that is when she did a switch - and her 2nd choice moved up to 1st after 3 days of thinking she was going in another direction.
What I learned from all of you - is that you give a lot of great advice and have interesting and fun humor - it helped a lot and helped me to help her.
I am so thankful that tonight she did get a bid from the house she wanted and is absolutely looking forward to not only being a Gator but being part of a sisterhood in every single way. Her cousins, who are in sororities and fraternities, have done nothing but emphasize all of the benefits and the lasting friendships they have formed.
So give yourselves a thumbs up. There are wonderful experiences and many happy endings!!!!!! Thanks so much for all of your help!!!!