An Open Letter to the Girl Rushing
Are you rushing within the next couple of weeks? If you are, this letter is addressed to you, from me. I’ve been through this and I know how stressful and daunting this week will be, so here’s a couple of things I wish I had heard before my time rushing.
Dear PNM,
This week you’re about to embark on is one of the most nerve-racking moments of your life, but you are in for an amazing four years! Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and validate all of the feelings you will be feeling this week.
Stay true to yourself this week and don’t morph into a character you think the houses want. Trust me, you don’t want to portray yourself as someone who you aren’t. Pick the houses you would feel comfortable in when you are in your purest form. Yes, rush week is glamorous and great to play dress up, but you will usually be seeing these girls in your baggy t-shirts with no makeup on, going to class. These girls want to see your leadership, personality, and overall what an amazing woman you are!
Take LOTS of photos and videos! Even if you don’t publicly post them, you will wish you took more pictures during this time of your life. Yes, you will look back and cringe, but it’s such a beautiful moment that you usually only get to do once. You are going to change so much in the four years you’re in college. It goes by so fast, take the pictures.
Uplift and encourage yourself this week. Take time to get your nails done, have an at-home spa night, or watch your comfort movie. Taking care of yourself this week (physically, mentally, and emotionally) is crucial. You want to be the best version of yourself you can be, and putting yourself first will help you feel confident during this hectic week.
The rankings of the houses don’t matter. Read that again. Seriously. Lots of people will try and convince you that there are good and bad houses, they’re lying, don’t listen to them. If you love a house, don’t let others determine your thoughts on that. Most of the time, these false “rankings” are all between power-hungry girls who want to prove their worth within a sorority house. Trust me, you don’t want to be in those houses anyway. Listen to your heart and where you think you will grow the most.
Don’t let talk on the lawn (during your rush week) determine your mood or your choices (this also goes with any online chatter that is going on). Some other PNM’s may talk badly about houses. They will try to make you believe in rumors and play with your decisions. Don’t listen to them. If you need advice from anyone or need to talk, go to your rush counselor or a trusted family member/friend who isn’t at your college.
No matter what your bid day card reads, you are going to flourish where you are planted. Have an open heart to where you are placed (whether it is your top choice or not) because most things in life are what you make them out to be… Alexa, play Life’s What You Make It by Hannah Montana. You’re going to meet some of your very best friends who will eventually be the girls you call when you need a study buddy, late night ice cream run, & when you need a shoulder to cry on.
Even if you decide that rush isn’t for you in the middle of this week, that’s okay! Greek life isn’t everything and surely is not something to overthink or stress out about. Some girls have a great experience, but if you’re not one of them know you are not alone. It’s okay to drop out before, during, or on the day of bid day. Listen to your heart, this is one of the biggest decisions you’ll be making during college! It can be overwhelming, especially if this week isn’t what you expected. As a former “bama rush girly” myself, let me tell you that social media is a highlight reel. Don’t set unrealistic expectations from what you see on TikTok or from other posts online.
These next few days are going to be tough, but I know you’ll get through them. You’ll laugh and cry and be so stressed, but in the end, you’ll come out of this with relationships and memories for a lifetime. Hold this next chapter close, because before you know it, it’ll be over with. I wish you the best of luck with rushing and remember, always be the girl that just went for it.
