Growing up, one of the most significant milestones is graduating from high school. This is the moment when all of their years of hard work has finally paid off. These graduated seniors transform into incoming college freshmen and are ecstatic for a new start in an unfamiliar environment. For many, the thought of starting the rush process for a sorority is the new focus.
“As much as I am so excited to graduate, I can not stop thinking about rushing and getting all of my outfits,” said Lucia Mazzara ‘25. “Rushing has been something that I have wanted to do for a long time now, so I can’t believe that it is finally time to move away and start meeting everyone.”
Being a part of a sorority is traditionally known as a key part of the college experience. In recent years, being a part of the sisterhood has become increasingly popular through social media, as well. In order to partake in a sorority, each potential new member (PNM) has to go through the rush process. This is the exciting time when interested students explore the different houses and find their perfect fit.
“I have grown up my entire life hearing about my mom’s sorority and her sisters that she still texts with every day, and I can’t wait to get there and hopefully meet girls that I will be friends with for the rest of my life,” said Mazzara ‘25.
The rush process is specific to every college, but contain a lot of the same elements. There are information sessions, where each sorority introduces members and their values. This is where PNMs are able to figure out if they fit with the ideals. This is the most casual part of the sorority process, where each PNM just listens to the different chapters. Piper Amador ‘25 realized that there are different aspects of the rush process that she needs to plan ahead for.
“I know that the rushing process is not something that you can just walk into unprepared, and know that girls spend up to months preparing for the process, whether it’s talking and meeting people in the sororities, or building a resume,” said Amador.
At certain colleges, especially in the south, the rush process is known as the most intensive week, packed full with festivities. Mazzara has already gotten a head start on the process, noting that the University of Tennessee recommends starting to accumulate resources now.
“I have gathered a list of people to ask for letters of recommendation, created my resume, signed up for recruitment, and I have gone through all of my social medias to make sure I am good,” said Mazzara. “My next steps are starting to gather my rush outfits, and make my introduction video that has to get sent to all of the houses before rush in August.”
Another aspect of rush is the interviews, where members will learn a little bit more about PNMs and start to make connections. Of course, there are other social events that are added to the calendar during rush week. This is a way for sororities to see PNMs in a social setting and get an idea of how well they would fit with the group.
“I am super excited because this is a great opportunity to make friends and also get involved in philanthropy,” said Grace Logan ‘25.
Finally, bid day is the most anticipated moment of rush week. This is where PNMs will officially find out if they have been invited to join a sorority. The day is filled with lots of tears and screaming, as the girls find out where they will be spending the rest of their college years.
“I cannot wait to meet my future sisters and lifelong friends hopefully, and the idea of getting to start basically a whole new life as the person I want to be makes me ecstatic,” said Mazzara.
