I never thought I would ever be the type of person to rush a fraternity, but as of last week, I have found myself in new territory — and loving it. I am rushing a co-ed honor fraternity, and I proudly announce my allegiance into the world of awkward conversations, random interactions and chance meetings amongst strangers. The rush process has been one of doubt and anxiety, but it has also been a time of introspection and overall bliss.
It is crazy how much a person can change in a year or two. I am not saying that I am ready to join an Inter-Fraternity Council or Inter-Sorority Council type organization, but this recent departure from my old ways is a step in a new direction. I have always been intrigued by the rush and pledge processes as well as the brotherhood or sisterhood that one becomes incorporated into after those processes. I am very excited to hear the results and hopefully meet my new brothers, but as of writing this article, I am still an independent.
The rush process began last Monday with an open rush event in Newcomb’s Game Room, which was slightly uncomfortable, but the brothers were open and approachable. The next open rush event was Tuesday, accompanied by the same level of awkwardness. Later that night, one of the scariest e-mails I have ever received was sent (I have never had to await hearing STI or pregnancy results in front of a computer screen) and I found out that I safely made it to the next round — closed rush, where the competition must be tougher and the conversations must be more influential. I went to Thursday’s rush event — s’mores on the Lawn — which was quite fun and actually not as awkward as previous interactions. I wasn’t able to make it to Friday’s service rush, which worried me, but I did attend a beautiful date function with a fantastic friend of mine. Being at a sorority’s annual Parent’s Weekend Formal made me want to be involved with a fraternity even more.
The second scariest e-mail was sent Friday night, or very early Saturday morning rather, and the last event was the semi-formal rush, which took place Monday. Dressing up is not one of my fortes or interests, but doing it every once in a while can be entertaining, especially when you’re trying to make a lasting impression. The funny thing is that before I began rushing I did not really care either way as to whether I got in, but as the process went on, my desire to be given a bid grew until, well, I don’t really know. I guess I would be overcome with sadness if I wasn’t given a bid.
I have suffered from rejection in the past, believe me, that word — rejection — is a special one in my vocabulary. I once welcomed two consecutive rejection e-mails for officer positions last year. I suppose rejection is natural, like in the movie “Beaches” when Bette Midler’s character sings, “you’ve got to win a little, lose a little, yes, and always have the blues a little,” — thus is the story and glory of both life and love. But when you want something so badly that you would saw off your right arm (I’m exaggerating a bit), is it enough to just say “Oh well, better luck next time?” Of course not, but am I now writing about pledging or loving? I guess what I am trying to say is that I do love this organization and that nothing would give me more pleasure than to be accepted into it.
I was surprised at how easy it was to talk to people I had never met before. Some I did in fact know, but the majority were strangers. I thought a little fakeness would be necessary to talk to people, but I found myself being genuinely interested in what other people had to say — it was very different from those class presentations or discussion questions that people ask just to get points. Seeing such a diverse group of people with a wide range of backgrounds made me appreciate the organization even more. With any luck, the next time I write, I’ll be wearing a pin.
Ian’s column runs biweekly Thursday. He can be reached i.smith@cavalierdaily.com.
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