Rush week occurred last week from September
3-7.
Monday
night was presentation day for fraternities. Potential new members (PNMs) were
all signed in and split into three groups. Each group went to the three
different chapters: Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Sigma and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. After
each presentation we rotated to the next one.
I was
in group 2. Upon dismissal, a member of the Interfraternity Council took us to
our designated room. As I walked up the stairs to the UC Ballroom, I could feel
my heart beat faster. I was about to start meeting different people belonging
to the great Greek community. It was some pressure to say the least. Pi Kappa
Phi was first.
As the
doors opened, guys were lined up meeting each of their possible new members. As
every PNM was seated, introductions were made. They presented their values and
beliefs to us. They spoke of their philanthropy Push America serving people
with disabilities. They also commenced to show pictures of events they
participated in the past.
Once the
30 minutes passed, we rotated to each room with the same presentation style but with different philanthropy and values.
Every chapter was welcoming. That rush of nervousness turned into just
enthusiasm. Rushing was no longer something that I was 50/50 about. This was
something I was committing myself to do.
Day 2
of rush week was just a social day. Each fraternity had different events at
different times so PNMs could visit all of them. Kappa Sigma had a hang out at
the O-Hall area, Pi Kappa Phi had a BBQ going on outside the MET, and Sigma
Alpha Epsilon had another BBQ at the intramural fields.
As
college students, nothing motivates us to go to events more than free food. I
could only manage to go to one. I was able to eat some Bodacious BBQ. If you
haven’t tried it, you definitely must.
Every
chapter had something to do, such as throwing ball or flag football. There were
no constraining ties to wear, nor were there shirts to tuck in. This was just a
relaxing day where everyone got to just hang around and be social.
Potential
new members were then invited back to interview with whichever fraternity liked
them. Thursday was interview day. I got invited to interview with Pi Kappa Phi
and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. This night was most likely the deciding factor that
made each fraternity choose their new members. Just like any job interview,
the nerves were on.
Once
both interviews were over, all you could do was to wait for the next day where you
were expected to show up at 6:45 at the Patriot Zone to receive your bid (invitation
to join). If you got a call on Friday, you did not receive a bid. Personally, Friday
morning was a day where I was hoping to be unpopular. I didn't want my phone to
ring, nor did I want to use it. I just waited patiently.
6:30
and it all seemed clear. I had an invitation to join. Once 6:45 came around, we
all met at the Patriot Zone. We were the new member class. Names were called alphabetically
to receive their bids from the IFC members and the Greek Life Coordinator. I
had two bids; one from Pi Kappa Phi and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. I was glad to see
that I was able to have the opportunity to join one.
We were all instructed to open the
bids in the envelopes at the same time. Paper envelopes were ripped. Each
invitation was unique and had its own seal. The time to accept a bid came. As I walked to
the table and announced the fraternity I chose, I could feel a rush of
happiness that I was joining something big and important. I was now a part of
the Greek community.
I am a new member of Sigma Alpha
Epsilon!
 |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon Flag |
I, along with 13 other new members, got
to meet our new brothers. We got an SAE
shirt as we snapped a picture of my new member class.
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| My fellow new member brothers |
We all dined at Villa Montez afterwards.
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| New and active members at Villa Montez |
Now all that is left is to attend
my official ceremony for new members. This will occur today at 7:30 p.m.
I will keep you all posted!
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