If you have ever had the pleasure of watching the movies Pitch Perfect, Neighbors or Legally Blonde, you are privy to the cinematic depiction of sororities. However, these dramatized displays are nothing close to the tight-knit, philanthropic organizations found on Hope’s campus. Because of the Greek life stereotypes in movies and the media, students on the fence about rushing may be deterred from joining Greek organizations.
According to Lindsey Muller (’21), a member of Kappa Beta Phi, one of the seven sororities on campus, she believes these generalizations hold people back. Continuing, she says, “Greek Life at Hope seems to be very different than at other schools. Here it’s more personal, involved with charity organizations and focused on participation within the school and outside in the community. Another red flag for some people is the party scene, which I think turns a lot of people away- especially because this is a smaller Christian college. I won’t say it isn’t a part of Greek Life, but it is not a large focus, and there are certainly organizations that are more prevalent on that scene than others.” As a sophomore returning after a semester off-campus in Oregon, Muller was encouraged by friends to rush after not finding her niche during her first few semesters. She noted, “I didn’t know where I belonged or how to get involved. In high school, I always had a sports team I felt understood me, a group I could laugh with, grow with and support me.” Now, living in a house with girls who love and work with organizations like Dance Marathon, Compassionate Heart and CEC, she feels a stronger sense of community in her life. Muller hopes others can see past the movie screen haze that paints sororities in a negative light, and just go for it. She explained, “It’s not like you are stuck in the situation if you don’t like it, girls can drop out of the process at any time. However, I have met people I would not have met otherwise and developed relationships deeper than most others in my life. It’s not for everyone, but I think everyone should give it a chance!”
Another fear many students have regarding Rush is the unfamiliarity of the process. Grace Alex (’21) broke down the process to make it a little less daunting. She revealed, “Rush for sororities consists of open and closed events hosted by each sorority on certain days and certain times during the Rush Season. Everyone and anyone is welcome at open events as it is a time when the sorority can spend time in a positive and friendly environment getting to know potential new members. Closed events are by invitation only. At the end of the Rush Season, the bidding process proceeds, and bids are given out to potential new members who can accept or decline the invitation to join the organization.” As a member of Alpha Gamma Phi, Alex is well versed in Greek Life and is involved in Dance Marathon, Relay for Life and other various service projects. She adamantly supports anyone interested in Rush to give it a chance, saying, “I would encourage people to rush because it can be an experience in which you get outside your comfort zone and meet new people. You never know who you could meet that may end up being your life-long friend.”
High school isn’t like High School Musical, and Monsters University isn’t anything like college, so there is no reason to put stock in the portrayal of Greek Life that is seen in the movies. Hope Greek life students will vouch for their love of the community and charity involvement of all the organizations. Additionally, Rush is a chance to find your own little family of sisters at your home away from home. It’s not for everyone, but don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and give Hope Greek Life a chance.
'Sold on Sisterhood' has no comments
Be the first to comment this post!