Thursday, July 28, 2005

Diary of a Frat Pledge

The Beacon - the student newspaper of Florida International University - has this two-part story on fraternity rush.
This past week, fraternity recruitment took place at the University Park campus. Fraternity organizations were seen preparing for their recruitment parties, proudly displaying their colors and letters. Potential members gathered around seeking the one organization that would make them feel like a true "brother."

However, when most of these prospective members were stopped and asked if they were interested in joining a fraternity, they always paused at the question and a very bewildered look crossed their faces. Most answered, "I don't know. I'm just looking around to see how it is." One can only imagine how confusing joining a fraternity can be.
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As the night progressed, [Augistin] Barbara browsed the different organizations stationed along the plaza until he came upon, and decided to speak to, Sigma Phi Epsilon. It is always important for the individual to look for a fraternity that interests him, and Barbara was set on getting to know Sig Ep (as they are known on campus) a little better. Many may ask how an individual figures out which fraternity he is truly interested in joining, and as Barbara experienced, it is all about getting to know the members and deciding whether or not one is comfortable with them.

"I looked around and I felt most comfortable with them [Sig Ep]. The guys I hung out with in high school were just like the guys I spoke to in the organization," he said.

Monday night turned out to be a success for Barbara as he not only had fun, but also felt great about getting to know this group of men as well as all the people at the Greek barbecue.

Diary of a Frat Pledge - Part 1 - The Beacon - Life!(Free Registration Required)

Will Augistin get in Sig Ep? Will He join another fraternity? Tune in for the next installment (below) to find out.
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Part 2 -

... A party to commemorate the final day of recruitment week (July 15) was the last chance for Barbara and others to make a good impression. But this was not the typical getting-to-know-each-other gathering. On this day fraternities held themed social parties where candidates met a variety of different people associated with the Greek system on campus, as well as danced and just cut loose.

That night, Barbara attended the Sig Ep wet-and-wild party called Seuss' Landing. With a Dr. Seuss theme, it was held at a member's house with a mixture of water slides, water balloons and music. The purpose for these parties was to stray away from the seriousness of the week. It was also a chance for potential members to show a little of their fun and relaxed sides.

After a night of conversation overload and partying, Bid Day had finally arrived. This was the day all potential members would find out whether or not they had been accepted into their organization of choice.
[...]
It was a stressful day for Barbara, but after much anticipation, his phone finally rang. He had been extended a bid to join the fraternity he had felt most comfortable with since the beginning of the Greek Barbecue on Monday.

Diary of a Frat Pledge - Part 2 - The Beacon - Life!(Free Registration Required)

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