Tips for Sorority Rush From An Alumni
My mom encouraged me to go thru rush at Southern Miss and still today I am so grateful for that push! I have made lifelong friends and even met my husband through my big sis!
Going through rush in 1997 was stressful so I can not even begin to imagine how it feels today with the pressures of social media. I was not your typical sorority girl at all; I was hesitant to talk to anyone. I did not have many girlfriends in high school and becoming a member of Pi Beta Phi in college absolutely changed that and gave me some much-needed self-confidence.
Being a PNM (potential new member), you attend parties at each sorority house depending on which sorority invites you back. Each house has something different to offer, between philanthropic events, academic achievements and social events.
Here are some tips that I feel helped me on both sides of the rush process.
BE YOURSELF – I can not stress this enough. Be your authentic true self. If you are a social butterfly, or a bookworm, express that. The chapters want to know about YOU and what YOU will bring to the table. If you like to plan events, include that in your conversation. If you are a studious person, include that in your conversation.
ASK THE CHAPTER MEMBERS QUESTIONS – You should ask questions about the chapter in general. What are your core values as a chapter? What is your most successful event? Get personal, ask the chapter member, why did she choose to pledge that sorority? What is her favorite event? What should you expect from joining that sorority? Ask questions that will lead into a conversation for both of you. Try not to answer just yes or no, expand your answers and your questions.
STAND OUT – Whether it be your outfit, jewelry or even your conversation. The chapters will remember you more if you stand out. Wear a great pair of shoes, a great necklace or even something in your conversation that will connect you with the chapter. This will help the chapter member you later.
GO IN WITH AN OPEN MIND. When I rushed back in 1997, I had my heart on a certain chapter and was heartbroken when I was cut from their house on the 3rd day. I wanted to drop out and go home. My Rho Chi encouraged me to stay and see what happens. In the end, that was the best decision I could have made. I found my home. In the end, everything happens the way it is supposed too.
I pledged Pi Beta Phi in August of 1997, and still today I am best friends with some of my sorority sisters and even the ones that I am not close with … I know that I can still reach out at any time to any one of them and they will be there for me. There is no doubt in my mind that I would not be the person I am today without Pi Phi. I became a leader and created connections in the workforce that furthured my career after I graduated from USM.
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