Love them or hate them, the fact is it’s rushing season and hundreds of sophomores, juniors and even a few seniors are fighting for a spot in club. Rushing is an opportunity for students to get to know the various clubs and decide which one they want to pledge. Those selected will spend five weeks pledging and then be initiated as members.
For any of this to happen, however, rushes must first get the all-important bid. A bid is the invite rushes receive to pledge a club. Each club is limited in the number of bids they are allowed to extend.
The most important thing a rush can do to ensure their place in a club is to have a relative in their club of choice. If a rush does not have an immediate relation it is highly advisable to find a distant cousin or, in extreme cases, name drop club members who are “like your sister.”
Save room for dessert, especially Oreo balls. Rushing is all about food and demonstrating an impressive appetite is important. With that in mind, bring mints. No one wants to be remembered as the “peanut butter breath guy.”
Facebook friend request every club member you have ever heard of. The importance of this step cannot be overstated. However, it should be noted that a friendship on Facebook does not equal a friendship in reality.
Know who the club’s officers are. It won’t look good when someone asks if you have met the president and the only response you can come up with is, “Who?”
Rushes should remember that rushing is a lot like dating. At some point you have to define the relationship and become exclusive. Be careful playing hard to get, because there are plenty of other fish in the sea.
Obviously, rushing and pledging are all about God. So rushes should get themselves right with God before Bid Night. Seriously though, if God isn’t involved, club is pointless. It’s important to remember identity is found in Christ and a strong sense of self, not belonging to a certain social club. Prayer puts everything in perspective.
Behind all the politics and parties, club is about community. Clubs should be chosen based off of experience and genuine relationships, not stereotypes or the influence of other people.
