This weekend began the start of 2026 Sorority Rush at SUNY Cortland, and the energy was amazing despite the freezing cold weather and dirty snow still on the ground! Girls showed up looking cute and dressed up as if it was a beautiful spring day. All of the PNMs looked excited, and it was very nice to see. It reminded me so much of my freshman-year self, so nervous on the inside but still presenting a smile.
Of course, rush is always somewhat chaotic, yet the recruitment counselors and girls involved were helpful and organized. Something that people outside of Greek life might understand is that you really have to remove all stereotypes of what you think you know about sororities. Social media especially distorts perceptions of rushing in girls’ heads. There are so many rumors that get spread and mixed up from TikTok story time videos and ranking videos, and it makes everything seem far more dramatic than it actually is.
Greek life here at SUNY Cortland is extremely different from larger schools, especially those in the South. The rush experience here is more intimate. There are only five sororities to meet and learn about, which gives girls a real opportunity to have conversations and understand each organization’s philanthropy and values. Choosing the right organization is important, of course, but all girls have different backgrounds and personalities, and you will absolutely end up in a great place.
I think freshmen worry too much about which sorority they want at the start. A lot of girls walk in with an idea in their head of what might be their “top choice” based on limited information. In reality, talking with different members from each organization and understanding what they stand for is what matters most. You make your decision in the moment and ultimately go with your gut. There is no need to overthink it.
As a senior who has been in both positions, a nervous PNM and now a participant involved in recruitment, I can say everyone is just as nervous as the freshmen. Nerves get confused with excitement. It’s honestly just a thrill to meet so many new friends and talk to so many interesting and unique girls. This rush felt different for me knowing it’s my very last recruitment as a senior. I know I won’t have as much time to get to know these new members the way I once did, and I am going to miss it.
What social media does not show is that rush can actually build confidence. You are having real conversations with amazing girls who want to get to know you as a person and build you up. It is not about ranking houses or fitting into a stereotype. At least here at Cortland, it feels far more about friendship and belonging.
If I could tell every freshman one thing, it would be that we are all equals and truly just as nervous as you are. You are going to end up exactly where you are meant to be. Stay true to yourself, rush at SUNY Cortland is not what social media and rumors make it out to be. It is simply a chance to meet amazing, inspiring women and make lifelong friendships.