So you came back from winter break early only to find yourself going through two of the most grueling, imposter-syndrome-fostering weekends of your life and never seeing your labors come to fruition.
You literally did what everyone told you to do– you wore your heels and participated in the endless girl-flirting. You marched from house to house in the middle of a blizzard, hoping to impress a twenty-something year old with your fashion choices and likeability. Yet, despite doing everything right, you ended up alone on bid night, watching every other girl run “home” to their 150 new “best friends.” Heartbreaking.
Sorority recruitment is referred to by some as one of the “best experiences” of their lives, while it leaves others confused, insecure, and lonely. The reality is, being in a sorority or not being in one does not change anything about you. Being in a sorority does not make you cooler, prettier, funnier, or smarter. No matter your affiliations, you remain uniquely you.
However, it is completely understandable that not getting into a sorority– whether you dropped out of rush, got dropped from rush, or decided not to rush at all– may feel like the absolute end of the world. With that being said, what is so great about being in a sorority anyway? Sure, being rushed into a sorority might give you new “friends” and invites to parties, but if you think that is the only avenue to having fun and meeting people in college, you need an entire refresh on your outlook.
If you wanted to be in a sorority to network, then networking is right in front of you every day. Check out your university’s involvement page and pick out a few clubs that you might like to join. Chances are, you will find more like-minded individuals in Women In Law (if that’s up your alley) than you would in a sorority anyway!
Say you were interested in philanthropy. Philanthropy is surely all over your campus. Try checking out your school’s dance marathon or other on-campus service organizations. There are thousands of ways to volunteer– all of which will give you the opportunity to learn about different issues and causes, develop leadership skills, and give you a sense of purpose.
So you wanted to make new friends… is not being in a sorority going to stop you from doing that? You can still befriend people in your classes, on your dorm floor, at your job, or in any clubs. Who knows, these connections may be even more valuable than those a sorority would have granted anyway. Better yet, if you still believe that being in a sorority is for you, you might end up befriending girls who encourage you to informally rush their chapter. Do not let not being in a sorority during your freshman year of college, taint some of the best years of your life by giving you a negative outlook on friendship.
We all have the same twenty-four hours each day. Every day, you choose who you sit next to in your classes. You choose who you talk to in the dining hall. You choose whether or not you get involved on campus.
If you are sitting in your dorm room right now, down on yourself about your rush experience, this is your sign to stop sulking and get out there, grab some campus cookies, and get back in the game. This is your life. Your college experience. You are in the driver’s seat.
Comments