fraternity rush

That is completely pathetic. No wonder to find a real man you find away from this place.

Shape up boys!!!

Thanks for clarifying. Hopefully there are some good guys this year especially since the freshman girls are such a strong group.

Actually that's exactly what happened. I saw the email IFC sent out to all the guys rushing on Friday afternoon. They were very rude and disrespectful to the speaker. Some guys were actually removed from rush altogether because of their bad behavior.

There is no rumor or lumping of people together on this post. This is exactly what happened. The girls at TCU keep getting better while the male population plummets. TCU has to start cracking down on the horrible behavior or this school will not remain one parents are willing to spend so much on or a place strong students will flock to.

I was determined to analyze the talk and event for a hour afterward, draw some conclusions and learn some lessons, and then move on.

My campus contact apologized graciously afterward. She had seen folks who were checked out and unruly and felt bad. I thanked her, but once again, just chalked it up as something that happens every once in a while. My feelings weren’t hurt because I don't take situations like these personally, and I assumed at least one person got something out of it.

I was headed out thinking that this was just one of those times when things don’t go as planned and that it was just a bad crowd I didn’t connect with. Worst gig ever? Maybe. Worst audience? Probably. Oh well. I’ve got another speech in about 10 days in Georgia. Time to get ready.

But then, students came up to me in the foyer. Pockets of five or six guys approached thanking me for my time and message and apologizing for their classmates’ behavior and unwillingness to listen. This wasn’t an idle gesture - these guys mentioned parts of my talk and what they had learned. Several said they would start tomorrow with some of the challenges I issued. I got to chat with about 15 guys in all.

It felt good to know that I at least reached this small cadre in that massive room. That’s why I do this, after all. I never assume I’ll be 100% effective to 100% of the audience. I speak based on the size of my story inside, not the size of the room I’m in.

And then I woke up this morning to over 20 emails in my inbox from guys who attended last night. For the record, even when a talk goes wonderfully, no one emails. I mean, no one. People tweet nice things (see above), but no one emails.

My shuttle ride to the airport allowed me to sift through these messages, all of them positive. Freshmen were telling me they enjoyed the presentation, what they’ll remember, and why they were glad I spoke. Some were apologetic for others. This was a high class move.

Many of these emails were from future members of the Beta Theta Pi chapter at TCU. I’m glad to see that organization building a strong foundation of men who want to better themselves and others.

And like that, my worst audience became my best. When I thought people weren’t listening at all, I found the small group that was listening the most. There, in the midst of chaos and confusion was insight and clarity.

Mr. Rogers often quoted his mom’s admonition to “look for the helpers” in the midst of despair or disaster. And while a talk that didn’t go quite right pales in comparison to other real-life calamities, I think we can all use a reminder that when things aren’t going right, they may secretly be going perfectly.

Life swings in great big contradictory directions, it seems. And when we feel knocked out by the bad, I bet the good is lurking just beneath. Perhaps the way to get to the best parts is to face the worst parts a time or two.

The only way to enjoy a rainbow is to wait out the storm.

Now you just sound stupid. And FYI… don't hope to God. He can't help you out of this one. You boys set the example for your pledges, and clearly you're setting a bad one. Just realize the sororities notice and we aren't impressed.

Seriously does sound like a Beta blog. No offense but I think thou doth protest too much.. Let's bash everyone but Beta.. Seems a little contrived that all of a sudden he had "20" emails from them. No offense but seems a little contrived.

Amen! Agreed! Betas actions speak for themselves so they don't have to! They didn't write that blog you idiot the speaker did. Don't hate on them because their pledges represented our university the way that all of the guys should. Good job boys <3 <3

I am so proud to be a Beta supporter. The other fraternity brothers could learn a lot from them. Way to go Beta!!

We are grateful to Beta for making a bad situation better. How sad to think our school was being perceived as the worse audience ever until some of our Beta guys acted with dignity.

Thank you for saying it perfectly. There are so many women at TCU that don't even waste the effort to find a respectful man on campus. The majority of the most gorgeous girls here date outside TCU. Beta gives some hope. TCU administration better take note because knowing what I know now, I would second guess coming here. I'm not looking for a Mrs Degree, in fact I plan on Grad School, but some guys that aren't wasted, bratty, girly men would be a welcome addition. At least we have Beta.