to all the girls about to rush...

I went into rush as a freshman with a mostly open mind, but during the week, I fell in love with one particular house. This house wasn't top tier, but I thought it was where I belonged. At pref, they told me I had already been born a [insert sorority here], so I figured I didn't have to worry about bid day. When the time came to open my bid at Lod Cook, my heart dropped. How could I have gotten my second choice?? I didn't want to seem ungrateful to the house that wanted me, so I plastered on a fake smile and ran to my new home (which ironically rushes "better" than the house I wanted). The next day I saw all of these girls wearing jerseys to the house I thought I would end up in, and I eventually broke down crying to my mom over the phone. What did these girls have that I didn't? Why did the girl who preffed me lead me on if I didn't have a chance? Initially, I thought I had almost nothing in common with the girls in my new house, but I soon realized that there were plenty of girls in my house that I could be friends with. I ended getting involved and eventually lived in the house.

Looking back, I realize that the house I am in has pushed me to grow in ways that I don't think I would have in the house that I so desperately wanted as a freshman. I know that some people have perfect rushes, but a lot don't. And that's ok! I believe that anyone can "grow where they are planted" if they put the effort in to be involved and meet new people. Just know that what may seem like a disaster in the moment might actually be the best thing to happen to you :)