DPU RUSH

DePauw University is notoriously known for its hard-core Greek system. It fuels our fundraising, encourages bonding, and of course is a major source of school pride. Some universities choose to rush incoming freshman right off the bat, but here at DePauw we like to let the anticipation build for an entire semester before finally letting new students join a house. As a result, us first-years had to watch from behind the invisible caution tape as mysterious sorority and fraternity members sported Greek letters and symbols around campus and disappeared into giant houses. The rules were strict and the consequence for breaking them were harsh, but we knew it would all be worth it in the end. And it was. The process of rushing, however, would prove to be more of a challenge than I thought.
        
We had three rounds of visiting houses, and each grew more intense. Many tears were shed by girls choosing which house to eliminate and by others who weren’t invited back to their top choice. It was hard to watch, and I can say that during the last round, I found myself in turmoil debating between my two favorite sororities. Eventually when it came down to just three other girls and me, still holding our blank cards, I knew I had to make a decision. The very minute I wrote my preference I visualized the faces of upper classmen I knew I would disappoint, and of the friends going to separate houses. I’m not really into girl-drama or rivalries but I thought to myself, “will I still be friends with these girls up until senior year?” People have warned me that it can definitely be done, but most friendships created as a freshman don’t stay as strong throughout sophomore, junior, and senior year unless you go to the same sorority. Hopefully for me that won’t be the case but I’m excited to grow closer with my new sisters who I know will become some of my best friends.
            A common question I’m asked by family and friends at other schools is, “how did you choose a house?” Some girls, I’ve found, are greatly influenced by parents or siblings (a few that even went to DePauw!) who want to continue a legacy. But that pressure can go in different directions and lead to rebellion or guilt. “My mom really wanted me to join the same sorority that she did,” says freshman Eleanor Brennan. “So it was hard to make that phone call and tell her I didn’t. I know she’s happy for me, but I could tell she was a little disappointed.” Meredith Johnson, however, was turned off by her mother’s urge to follow in her footsteps. “She just kept badgering me,” Meredith says, “and it made me not want to join that house even before rush started!” I asked, “do you think you might have considered that sorority more if your mom hadn’t put so much pressure on you?”
“Yeah, probably” was her response.
For me it was a bit different. My mom wasn’t in a sorority, and the women in my family who were went to different houses across the country. I knew a few girls in my chosen house before coming to college, and I guess I’ve always known I felt at home whenever I went over to visit. My choice wasn’t entirely unbiased, but I believe I made the right decision based solely on me, and what I (eventually) knew I wanted. As a result, I’ve been on cloud nine all week, as I finally feel part of Greek life here at DePauw. I can wear my sorority shirt to the Lily center, or “just happen” to stop by the house right before dinner starts, and I feel a new, special bond with my friends who made the same choice as I did.
            For those who didn’t rush or dropped out during the process, however, this past week has brought on mixed feelings. A resident of Bishop Roberts Hall who wishes to remain anonymous said, “I had to drop out of rush because my least favorite house was the only one to invite me back. It was hard to watch my friends, and worse, my roommate, get their first choice. I’m happy for them obviously, but I can’t help but feel a little jealous. Why not me? What do they have that I don’t?” Her friend, who also wishes to remain anonymous, stated that she couldn’t rush at all because of her grades. “I have to slap on a happy face this week, but really I’ve just been kicking myself for not trying harder in my classes.” Cases like these definitely expose the downsides of rush, but the silver lining is that these girls will have the option to join a sorority next year, should they chose to re-do the process.
            My second semester calendar is crammed with events ranging from bike races to a pink-themed slumber party, and I can’t wait for it all to begin. Time will pass and our battle wounds from the recruitment process will eventually heal. I know it won’t always be so carefree, but as far as I’m concerned, Greek life is the good life.