sweet sixteen - rush

it's a very crazy and hectic time of year.

all the kids enjoying their last days of summer vacation.

trying not to think of the first day back to school looming ahead of them.

some, like my young cousins in LA, (looeeeseeana, that is) are already back at school.

some are packing up their childhood memories and are headed off to the wild and 

ever so exciting land of colleges and universities.

and some are going through the nuttiest days of their lives,

fall rush, or recruitment as it now likes to be called.

all of the letters of support, all of the official rec's  and all the lovely words of praise 

were sent off months ago, and now the real fun begins.

thousands of anxious young women all over these united states, on

both sides of the battlefield, are ready to join or be joined.

it really is a nerve racking event for everyone.

the little freshman women who want desperately to make the cut,

the exhausted upperclass women who have to make the decisions,

and all the anxious families waiting at home for the phone calls. 

most non greeks think this whole situation is very grotesque.

the buying of friendships thing.

but i don't see it that way at all. yes there is a cost factor, but

when you  join any organization, there is usually a fee.

becoming a greek is just the beginning

to all sorts of learning opportunities.

it teaches you how to live and survive and play nicely with your peers.

it teaches you discipline, honesty, trust, and leadership.

the retention rates and graduation rates are higher for greeks, and 

so are the gpa's. it teaches you how to become involved

in your school, in your community and in your government. 

it offers scholarships and a sense of belonging,

and also brings a sense of healthy competition to the collegiate athlete

or any wannbes.and yes, the social part is great, too!!

 i hope those going through fall rush and those gdi's who aren't,

all enjoy their college experience.

and i mostly hope everyone rushing finds

their little sense of home and happiness in whichever

house welcomes them home.

i had a great greek experience and i hope all my 

little greeks and greekettes do too!!

hey, i still know the greek alphabet by

heart do you???

!!go greek go!!