Nayeli Lomeli/Contributing Writer
At the beginning of the semester, various fraternity and sorority members spoke about their experiences during “rush week,” what they were looking for when they decided to go Greek, and why anyone should do it.
FIU currently offers 31 fraternity and sorority chapters composed of nearly 1,300 members, each part of one of four councils: Interfraternity, Multicultural, National Pan-Hellenic and Panhellenic.
“I rushed back in fall 2016 and it was definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had while in college,” said Madison Jimenez, member of Phi Sigma Sigma.
Rush week often takes place during the first quarter of the semester and it is a time where anyone looking to go Greek can attend events hosted by several fraternities and sororities.
At the end of a rush period, Greek houses will place “bids” on prospective members they think best fit their membership. Rushees then have one day to make their decision.
“The week itself was very intimidating and nerve-wracking, but the entire time I stayed true to myself. At the end of the week, I found my home,” she added.
Carlos Castillo, a member of Delta Sigma Phi, said he wanted to experience the Greek Life in the United States.
“My home country doesn’t have fraternities and I heard a lot of good things about them,” he said.
Castillo describes Greek Life as the opportunity of building lifelong friendships and making professional network connections, something that was not available for him in Colombia.
The mission of FIU’s Fraternity and Sorority Life Office is to help their members thrive, grow, and develop as campus leaders in a safe and educational environment, according to their website.
Each organization is founded on the values of scholarship, leadership, brother/sisterhood, community service and philanthropy.
Erich Aguilar, a member of Theta Chi, said he felt connected with his fraternity’s philanthropy: the United Service Organization.
“I have immense respect for our nation’s veterans, so it felt natural for me to rush a fraternity that actively helps them,” said Aguilar.
Aguilar said he has had the pleasure of participating in unforgettable events as a result of his fraternity and actively encourages students with initiative and leadership qualities to take a leap of faith and go Greek.
“Greek life is an amazing experience one can only get in college… With all of the positive opportunities and growth it can give an individual, why not take advantage of it,” said Jimenez.
If you are interested in Rush Week and would like further recruitment information you can visit follow @fiufsl on Instagram.
Featured photo was taken from FIU Flickr.
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