First off, let’s start with a confession. That’s always a good way to begin an article, right? I think confessions release stress for me, the person doing the confessing, as well as provide entertainment for those few people still reading this funny little column. Are you ready? No, seriously, grab your cup of coffee or your mug of tea or your to-go grande no-foam, sub-soy, stirred (not shaken) salted caramel macchiato. Because it is about to get real.

Real Confession #1: I am rushing this year. Frankly, I love rush. Why? Because I get to spend a couple hours every night with some of the coolest girls on campus. And I don’t mean “cool” as in stuck-up or snobby or too-good-for-life. I mean “cool” as in people I aspire to be, who inspire me to be a better student, friend, and person. I can honestly say that I found myself connecting so quickly with these girls I had literally just met. I almost wanted to scream, “Stop being so awesome!”. But, seriously. Pepperdine has some pretty fantastic people, really though.

Real Confession #2: this article is late. My technical deadline is Wednesday and, if you are fully cognitive at this morning hour, it is Thursday. I offer my sincerest apologies, but with a caveat. As the title suggests, this week I want to talk about Greek life, since the entire week has been dedicated to that infamous process called Rush. Last night was the first Open House and I wanted to write post-experience. So those lines of primed and ready females parading around the amphitheater and hijacking the shuttle up to the CCB will appear again tonight and every night until Bid Night on Monday. Back to Real Confessions.

Real Confession #3: I compiled a Rush Survival Kit complete with deodorant, an eyelash curler, and homework. If any of you girls that are rushing need the above supplies, hit me up. I learned in kindergarten that sharing is a good quality, but I still need practice, so help me improve my character. I’m sure you’d love to do my homework for me.

My dear readers, and especially those who are currently in the process of rushing, if you haven’t yet fallen asleep or disowned me because of my confessions, I have one last thing to say to you. From the perspective of someone who has rushed before (but had to stick a metaphorical knife in her own heart and drop out because of school), keep your head above. Keep an open mind, of course, and know that Greek Life is just one part of your experience here at Pepperdine.

I know that I am tempted to think that I have to fit every mold of every sorority so that everyone will like me. Stop right there, hold up. Don’t speak like everyone else. Don’t be fake. Don’t resort to speaking specific sorority. Speak YOU. I know everyone says that “you will end up where you are supposed to be”, but that proves true time and time again. Have fun with the process, don’t stress, and please for the love of your sanity, get sleep.

Happy rushing, dear readers. And ayo waves.