Why Clemson and Why Rush As a Sophomore?

“Why did you choose Clemson?” is one of the many questions you’ll be asked time and time again before you get to college, as an ice breaker in lectures, and even as an alumni. Maybe it’s because Clemson has your major, or you’re a legacy, wanted to go out of state or stay close to home. Clemson was such an easy choice for me as soon as I was accepted for three reasons

1. Clemson is in my home state, but far enough away from home that I could feel an independence I hadn’t felt before.
I’m from Columbia, South Carolina and it’s comforting knowing I can go home quickly if I need to, but while I’ve been here, I’ve found a sense of independence and learned how to live on my own.

2. Clemson has a large student body. I went to Blythewood High School, which had about 2,000 students in the whole student body. When I was looking for my perfect fit, I wanted somewhere where I could branch out and meet more people. I wanted a big school because I didn’t know anything other than a small town. And while Clemson is a “town,” you’re apart of a family there. Something bigger than yourself.

3. Clemson is a perfect college town. I knew I didn’t want to go to school in a big city, so Clemson stood out to me from the beginning. Clemson has a great student centered atmosphere that makes you feel safe and secure. There is nightlife, great places to eat, and sports shops lining the streets of downtown. There are also wonderful study spaces, diverse majors, fields of study, and students from all backgrounds who all have one thing in common, they chose Clemson. It’s a decision I haven’t regretted since I enrolled.

When I enrolled, everyone was talking about rushing a sorority. I had no idea what that was about. My mom wasn’t in one, but all my friends wanted to do this “rush” thing. I didn’t. So freshman year, I sat back and didn’t really involve myself in much because I wanted to focus on academics. I watched some of my friends form long lasting friendships with their sisters, go to functions, and get involved in their philanthropy. Freshman year is what made me want to rush, because seeing my friends involved made me want to be involved too. Freshman year also helped me learn to manage my time and know what I could handle academically and socially. As soon as I could submit my registration sophomore year, I did. Now I’m forming life long friendships in Gamma Phi, getting dressed up for functions, and loving being involved in our philanthropy (that I love so dearly, pls talk to me about it). Gamma Phi has given me a sense of self confidence, a group of leading women who build me up, study buddies, friends, and most importantly the sisters I never had.

​-Grace C.