Rush, from the Editors
Maggie Esnard | Food and Health Editor
Elena Giorgi | Lifestyle Editor Grace Owens | Beauty Editor
“Personally, going through recruitment and joining my sorority was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My experiences in my organization have shaped me into a better person and given me the people I am proud to call my family. I had an amazing (and stressful) recruitment experience, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. “
Maggie Esnard | Chi Omega
Sorority recruitment can be nerve wracking, no doubt about it. Often, this is the first time one is away from home, surrounded by brand new people or living in a state different from what they know. Adding in the stress and hype of recruitment, aka “rush”, it’s easy to crack under the weight of it all. Rest assured, rush is a perfect opportunity to become acclimated to campus before classes, learn about the Greek community at your university and find lifelong friendships that will linger long past your four years.
We here at Alice have put together our top tips for rush to ease your anxieties as the big week approaches, beginning with a few simple yet important things to keep in mind:
Your outfit is not nearly as important as you think it is. Wear clothes that compliment you and that you feel good in. No one is paying anywhere near as much attention as you think they are – everyone is too worried about themselves to care, active members included.
Listen to the advice that is given to you from the website / social media / guidebook by the women overseeing the entirety of recruitment. After all, they are the experts.
Remember, sororities have the pressure on to market themselves to you, convincing you why they have an amazing sisterhood, a respectable reputation and a well-balanced group of women. You are the prize here!
Maggie Esnard
And here are our top recommendations for sorority recruitment.
1. Be genuine.
Grace Owens | Delta Gamma
Yes, you’ve heard it before, but it is just that important.
Don’t feel pressured to fit in to the “vibe” of whichever house you’re sitting in. Always put your best foot forward, but you don’t need to act as someone you’re not because you think that’s what they are looking for in a member. Being genuine will set you up to find a house where you feel comfortable every day.
2. Everything happens for a reason.
Whether it’s a house that you loved or never stepped foot in, you are going to get cut. Just remember that everything happens for a reason. You’ll end up where you’re meant to be. Rush might take you on some crazy path, but everything will work out.
3. There are no “wrong” decisions.
This is your decision — you’ll get a feeling, you’ll know when you’re at the right house. Follow that feeling. Despite that, you’ll probably hear someone trash-talk your favorite house or tell you that you’re picking the wrong house. Don’t listen to them. You make the best decision for you. Only you can tell yourself what the right house is.
4. Prioritize yourself.
Find ways to remain calm, level-headed and happy throughout the week. Recruitment is designed to be enjoyable and uplifting, but every day may not feel that way.
Prioritize your mental and physical health above all else. Stick with the hobbies or practices that you would do any other week. Try to move your body as much as possible and find a reliable support system, whether it’s your mom, best friend, school counselor or old sports coach. You’re going to need encouragement and love as you navigate this new chapter.
Elena Giorgi | Phi Mu
Yes, rush can be a lot to handle, but we promise you, every single person on the Row is just as nervous as you are, actives included. We are just as nervous to meet you as you are to meet us! And everyone here at Alice is cheering you on and wishing you nothing but the best during your transition to college.
Maggie Esnard serves as the Food and Health Editor. She is a junior majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Finance. Between her morning yoga classes and trips to Target, Maggie spends most of her time in Reese Phifer studying.
Elena Giorgi is a rising junior at Alabama with double majors in News Media and Political Science. She edits the Lifestyle section of Alice in between class, running and finding the best dessert in any town she’s in. Midwest born and bred, she hopes to continue working in the magazine industry post graduation.
Grace Owens is a senior majoring in Public Relations and English. She is currently the Beauty Editor for Alice. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, she hopes to pursue a career in media relations.
