Almost everyone is familiar with the idea that you meet your lifelong friends in college. Most campuses have an abundance of opportunities for students to meet and get connected. While some students may choose to rush, others may find those connections in the dorms, sports, or other campus clubs. However, some people may find it difficult to bond, or are unable to because their campus doesn't offer as many opportunities. While it is common for students to go through the Greek recruitment process as underclassmen, some may choose to wait.
Often, students who transfer in from other schools are looking to meet people as quickly as possible, and see Greek Life as a great gateway for making friends. Although rushing as an upperclassman may have its downsides (less time spent with your sisters/brothers), students may often have a better understanding of what they are looking for in a house, and could be more likely to join the house best suited for them.
I interviewed senior Jordan Henry from the University of Oregon about her experience going through recruitment as a junior last year. Transferring from a community college, Jordan was looking to make connections at a new school quickly. She states that rushing as an upperclassman really helped her to join a house that was right for her, and wouldn't give up the experience (although she wishes she had the opportunity to join sooner!)
How much did you know about Greek Life before you decided to rush? Did Greek Life have a prominent presence on your campus? If you transferred from another school, did Greek Life exist on your old campus?
JH: I didn't really know that much about Greek Life before coming to Oregon and deciding to rush. I went to a community college that didn't have Greek Life at all so the only information I had was from my best friend who was involved with Greek Life at SDSU. She helped give me an idea of what to expect, how much she liked it, and she encouraged me to do it.
How did you feel going through rush? Did you feel as though being an upperclassman affected your recruitment experience?
JH: I was nervous at first to be going through rush as an upperclassmen. I was rushing with mostly freshmen, some sophomores, and very few juniors. I wasn't sure if class status mattered to some houses, but overall me being a junior didn't seem to matter. They were interested in getting to know me as a person which was comforting while going through the crazy process.
What was your criteria when rushing? Which qualities were the most important when choosing a chapter (their philanthropy, social life, campus involvement, leadership opportunities, etc.)?
JH: I came into every house with an open mind. One of the main motivators for me rushing was to be involved. Philanthropy and campus involvement were both very important, but the most important factor for me was to find a house that was genuine and I would feel most comfortable in. Lucky for me, I found the best of both worlds!
How was the transition into Greek Life? Did you feel as though there was more or less pressure to make friends quickly within your chapter?
JH: It was definitely a different experience joining as an upperclassman. I came in not knowing anyone so I did feel some pressure to make friends quickly. You come into Greek Life hearing, "You'll meet your best friends here" and I felt like I had to make up for lost time in a way. The transition ended up being a lot easier than I thought.
Did you feel as though you had enough time to make strong connections within your chapter? What about your PC? Was it difficult to be grouped with a pledge class of underclassmen?
JH: Sometimes I wish I would have been able to rush as a freshman because I see friendships form and grow over the years, but I'm happy with the time I've had and the friends I've made. It's different being grouped with underclassmen because as freshmen, they go through the process together (their first year of college and being away from home, dorm life, rushing, living in the house, and so much more) whereas I've either already experienced those things or have missed out on it. In the end though, regardless of class, I've gotten to know so many great girls.
Did you find that there were any difficulties/inconveniences in joining a chapter as an upperclassman? Did you see any benefits of pledging as an upperclassman? If you could have had the opportunity to rush as an underclassman, would you?
JH: I don't think there is anything I would say is "inconvenient" about rushing as an upperclassman. The only thing you miss out on is time. I would say a benefit is that you have a better idea of who you are, what you value, and what you want from the rest of your college experience. I would have loved to rush as an underclassmen, but at the same time it would have been a different experience and I believe I ended up in the right house because I rushed as a junior.
If you had to recommend (to a friend, daughter, etc.) a time to rush, would you defend waiting? That is, do you see value in waiting to rush in order to get used to campus life, focus on academics, make friends outside of Greek Life, etc. Or, would you recommend going through recruitment as soon as possible in order to meet people, make friends quickly, and join a community that honors the same values as you?
JH: If I were to recommend rushing to someone else, I would definitely encourage joining as soon as possible. Make the most of your four years because they fly by. Rushing as a freshman, you are instantly surrounded by a support system of other girls who are going through the same process, you are able to form friendships from the beginning, you get involved, and you find a home away from home that shares the qualities you look for in friends and sisters.
Overall, how was your complete Greek Life experience?
JH: I wouldn't trade my experience in Greek Life for anything. I'm proud to be a part of the Oregon Alpha Pi Beta Phi chapter and I'm happy to have gotten to know a diverse group of smart, driven, and beautiful women. Greek Life has had a big impact on my last two years of college and has allowed me to enjoy it to the fullest.
