Rush — the nationwide phenomenon held during the beginning of fall semester is considered to be one of the most important events of the year for students interested in “going Greek”. Filled with exciting events, in-depth interviews and plenty of meetings, Panhellenic recruitment is anything but boring in the eyes of Boise State’s incoming freshmen.
“I’m most excited to meet people. There are a lot of opportunities for connections, building a community, getting an internship and so much more that comes with a sorority,” incoming Biology major Molly Lahart said. “I hope that I find really close girl-friends and get involved with health and wellness on campus.”
Through the approaching long hours of recruitment days, nerves and the pressure of joining a dream chapter, one can’t help but wonder what motivates these freshmen to keep going as they prepare for a possible future in Greek life.
“Rush week is going to be intense and a little scary, not knowing how it really goes,” incoming Nursing major Addie Hollingstead added.
Hollingstead shared how her experiences with cheerleading makes rush feel a little less intimidating. Used to the camaraderie of her high school cheer squad, the idea of sorority life felt like a “natural fit”.
As the date approaches, it’s clear that a majority of freshmen participating in the recruitment process are secure with their decision to become potential new members (PNMs).
“Obviously there’s a little [bit of] nerves,” Lahart added. “But I keep telling myself that wherever I’m meant to go, I’ll find my space.”
Aside from a whirlwind of nerves and anticipation, incoming freshmen shared their excitement to find a sense of community. Hoping to find life-long friendships, they’re ready to form bonds with their new sorority sisters.
“I really hope to find friends for life,” incoming freshman Addison Moore said. “I’ve found a lot of friends in high school, but I’ve heard about girls meeting their bridesmaids in sororities.”
While many Broncos are feeling the pressure of rush week, their future sorority sisters assure freshmen there’s nothing to fear.
“I genuinely have found such a great community and sense of belonging in my sorority,” Alpha Sigma Alpha member Keira Sinclair expressed. “The biggest piece of advice that I can give is that you won’t know until you try it.”
Sinclair said she felt a “tornado of emotions” during recruitment. Feeling like a fish-out-of-water, her nervous encounters quickly transformed into an unforgettable learning experience.
“The rushing process for formal recruitment is honestly really stressful,” Sinclair added. “You’re going to be talking to so many different people, be asked the same questions over and over, but it really just teaches you to go outside of your comfort-zone.”
Sinclair emphasized the importance of being secure within yourself and focusing on your own strengths. She said self-confidence is key during recruitment and will lead to the best outcome.
“Don’t try to be someone other than yourself,” Sinclair said. “You’re not going to find an authentic and meaningful experience if you’re not being true to yourself. I really had to carry that motto into the recruitment process.”
Seasoned sorority members explained that as the years pass, sorority life begins to feel like family — a sisterhood for life.
“The sorority scene at Boise State is really welcoming, [it’s] nothing like the movies,” said Alpha Xi Delta Membership Vice President Olivia Jackson, Alpha Xi Delta Membership Vice President. “Everyone is super friendly with everyone, everyone is gonna fight for you. We all just want to see everyone succeed.”
Reminiscing on her experience walking across the stage of high school graduation and into the gates of college life, Jackson gives her two-cents on what to expect from recruitment and sorority life.
“College can be really hard,” Jackson said. “You’re on your own for the first time. When I went through the recruitment process, my biggest [hope] was finding a place that felt like home.”
Jackson explained that even though her nerves were at an all-time high, participating in recruitment was worth it in the end.
“The best thing to do is go in like ‘this is me, and this is what I have to offer’,” Jackson advised. “If you feel like you’re talking to your best friends, that’s where you really want to be.”
