MC’s favorite time of year is here yet again. (Besides Lighting of the Quad, or other campus happenings that involve free food.) RUSH!
This past week was “Meet IT/ISEC” was from 9-11 p.m. on the caf patio. It was an awesome way for new students to meet actives of all of the tribes and clubs as a way to kick off general rush. Besides the free food and hours of mingling, the night was concluded with an awesome dance party that broke out the last hour or so of the night. (Here at MC, it happens.)
Reflecting back on freshman year, I remember how much talk I had heard about Tribal Rush before I even stepped my first foot on campus. Preview Days, Orientation, Football Games- every time I came to campus I always saw the red, green, blue, and pink swarms at their tents giving away free fresh cookies and drinks to all of us eager future rushees.
We’re gonna get straight to the point. Looking back, there are so many things I feel I gained, as well as some things I wish I would have done differently or wish I would’ve been told. For those of you rushing, here’s some helping hints and encouraging words.
1. RUSH IS A GREAT WAY TO MEET PEOPLE!
Although it’s NOT the only way. Don’t feel pressured to rush if you don’t feel called or comfortable to do so. Want to know what is one of the most beautiful things about MC? There’s so many ways to get plugged in and meet people. I have close friends who didn’t rush, and they are just as happy and involved. However, I definitely met a lot of close friends through rush also, both general rush and my specific tribe’s rush. I’ve been invested in like crazy this past year from older girls in my tribe, and my guy friends have gotten to become best friends with the upperclassmen in their club. From formals in Memphis to Mystery Dates to community service days with other tribes- the list goes on and on, and all have helped me get plugged into the center of campus life on a deeper level and have helped me create beautiful friendships that I wouldn’t have gained otherwise.
2. KEEP AN OPEN MIND!
As you enter general rush, KEEP AN OPEN MIND. This is one of the pieces of advice I wish I would have received. All of the clubs and tribes on campus are wonderful, and that’s not a cheesy “I have to say this” MC thing. I have friends in all of them, and all of them love where they are. I came into freshman year wanting to rush a specific tribe because I already had a few friends in it, and turns out, I rushed something completely different. The girls I had met in all four tribes had been so sweet and friendly to me, but I ended up finding my fit in a tribe I didn’t plan on rushing. Your tribe or club experience is what you make it, so keep an open mind, talk to guys and girls from all clubs and tribes, and don’t rush a certain tribe or club just because your suitemates are. (In fact, I was the only girl who rushed my tribe on my end of the hall, which had me nervous, and now I’m so glad I followed my gut. Because needless to say, if their really your friends, they’ll stay your friends whether you rush the same tribe or not.)
3. RELAX, RUSH IS ONLY FOR A LITTLE WHILE!
A lot of freshman coming in worry over rushing because of how much of their time it will take up. I’m not gonna lie, during rush, it does take up a good bit of time. Follies practices, pledge breakfasts, and service hours are some of the things you’ll have to complete. (As well as going through cool traditions for each tribe or club, such as wearing a ribbon around your wrist during rush or keeping your club’s bass drum beating for 24 hours.) However, it doesn’t last forever. I got to know all of my sisters because of rush. I wouldn’t know everyone’s names or wouldn’t be so close to my sisters if I hadn’t had to go through those six weeks. Once you’re active, the beautiful thing is you can be super involved or barely involved. Rush really isn’t all that bad, and it only lasts a little while! It’s SO worth it! (And once you put on your Follies production, all of the practices definitely pay off as you show your tribe or club off!)
4. SO WHAT IS FOLLIES?
Follies is a ten minute production put on by each rush class of every tribe and club. It’s an annual tradition held every Friday evening of Homecoming Week. Most of your time during rush is spent practicing for this humongous event, in which Nelson Hall is always packed for. (It’s now broadcasted on the quad for those who couldn’t get in) It’s a promising evening of fun and festivities as new pledges display their creativity in hilarious skits that reflect our rich history as a school. Dancing, acting, props- it’s all there. It’s definitely one of my most memorable and exciting experiences from freshman year!
These are probably the highlights of the need-to-know’s for rush. Remember to turn in your forms for general rush in the caf this week during lunch hours! Peace and blessings!
*Here are the available websites for the tribes and clubs*
Women’s Tribes:
Laguna: http://lagunasocialtribe.moonfruit.com/
Nenamoosha: http://nenamoosha.weebly.com/
Swannanoa: http://swannanoasocialtribe.com/
Kissimee: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2202965423
Men’s Clubs:
Civitan: http://civitanmc.weebly.com/
Shawreth: http://www.shawreth.com/what-is-shawreth.html
Rotaract: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=72676634565
Circle K: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=118582230014
