Morgan Chapman ‘24

FORMER UNIONVILLE STUDENT

The words “fraternity” and “sorority” are not ambiguous synonyms for high schoolers. People discuss sororities as “paying for friends” and its members as the “mean girls” of college. People would say that rushing a sorority in college equates to being stuck in high school—something no one attending said college wants to think about. I’d heard these preconceptions floating around high school, but despite the Regina George-esque allegations of sororities, I have never been one to fall prey to the thoughts of others. Although I was all for Greek Life, I still didn’t think I’d be rushing a sorority. And now here I am, getting initiated, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

Although I had found countless amazing people at Virginia Tech, I struggled to find my closest friends. Coming from high school, where I had many different groups, I wanted to put myself in a position to meet as many new, amazing people as I could. So, I decided to embark on my next journey—rushing a sorority.

For me, joining a sorority and finding women who support me was something I needed to do to help me figure out who I am. And as thoroughly corny as it sounds, since accepting my bid and becoming closer with so many women, I can feel myself growing already.

Rushing can be a period of low confidence for many because inherently, the process involves ranking and can be easily taken to heart. What helped me get through the process was reminding myself of why I wanted to be here. I wanted to find more incredible people to fold into my life, and simply by saying yes to the process, I connected with so many strong women. I bonded with the other girls in my dorm, and honestly, I covet the kind of safety I felt coming home to them each night.

One night after a long day of visiting sorority houses, I went to my room to get ready for bed and stood staring in the mirror. I realized right there that I had gotten what I wanted out of my week of rush. I found authentic, beautiful women who would say the same about me, and I still feel the warmth they gave me in my heart (and I may have shed a tear).

Throughout the rushing process, all you have to do is remember that you want people who want you. Reach out, be genuine, and the right people will find their way to you, one way or another.

Rushing a sorority or fraternity might not be for you, and that is okay. However, my sage wisdom for you is don’t count it out. Don’t count anything out, for that matter. Make “yes” a common word in your vocabulary—embrace new opportunities because your next adventures will be chock full of surprises. No matter what happens, growth is inevitable. That was my goal after graduating—to put myself in opportunities to grow, and that is how I ended up finding my organization.

Open yourself to the world because, as Benjamin Mee, a popular newspaper columnist, wisely proclaimed, “Sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it” (We Bought a Zoo).

You don’t need to buy a zoo; that’s a cliché by this point. But please do embrace your next adventure. Take 20 seconds of courage, and I promise something great will come of it. And, if you become a Gamma Phi Beta, welcome to the family.