A few weeks ago, an event seemingly vital to the function of the southern organism began—rush week. A week before classes are scheduled to begin, nearly every college in the region is flooded with freshman girls “rushing” several sororities across campus. The goal? To receive a “bid” from the sorority of your dreams and gain a sisterhood.
The term ‘rushing’ dates back to the 1800s when members of Greek organizations would “rush” incoming students. With enough zeal, hopefully, they would join one of many groups. The term stuck, and it’s how we refer to the iconic event still today. However, the current usage of ‘rush’ is better suited to describe the hustle and bustle of the iconic week.
The hustle starts just as soon as the girls arrive. Depending on the school, different chapters may host ‘open rush’ parties to share their philosophies and to get a feel for recruits. Afterwards, some girls may be selected to move on to a formal or ‘closed’ rush. This step of rush is often the most intensive, as chapter members will conduct one-on-one interviews with recruits. Despite being the most stressful period of rush, it is also the most rewarding.
After all the stress of the week, the fun bit starts! Bid day. Sororities will give you a ‘bid’ (invitation) if they want you to join the group. All the girls gather together and open their bids at the same time. This can be either a group bonding session or a total disaster. The bids ultimately decide who becomes part of the sisterhood.
Rush Week is more than just a series of events! It’s a rite of passage filled with anticipation, connection, and personal growth. For many, it marks the beginning of a new era in their lives! An era full of laughter, love, and sisters!
Sara Peyton Dospapas, a 2025 graduate of Graham High School and a current freshman at TCU, grew up knowing a sisterly love similar to that of sororities. That’s why, she says, she knew that was something she’d want in her college life as well.
“I have found a group of amazing women who I will now have through hard times, new changes, and to have fun with genuinely!” Dospapas said. “…I had waited a long time to find a sisterhood.”
According to Dospapas, the whole week was ‘overwhelming, but so encouraging!’ She wholeheartedly recommends that any girl who has the opportunity to rush to do it. “I would 100% rush again, and again!”
