Sex, Drugs, and Rock-n-Roll: that’s the life of every fraternity brother since time began. Maybe that's the truth at some Colleges but not Rose. Rose-Hulman is among the best undergraduate schools for engineering students in the United States; the people who go here are intelligent. Yet, much like every other college campus, students need an escape from homework and everyday stress. A popular outlet for these frustrations is Rose’s Fraternity life.

Delta Sigma Phi's Chris Sanderson enters a room on BSB 1 and casually begins a conversation about Rose-Hulman and hometowns. Soon, Sanderson and his fraternity brothers have covered most of the freshman floors on campus. Their goal is simple: Meet the Freshmen. Like most fraternity men during the annual “Dorm Storming,” which bagan on Tuesday, Sanderson is concerned with making new friends and learning new faces.

Rush is traditionally a hectic time of overwhelming information and tough choices, but the purpose behind it is both deliberate and positive. Paul Edwards, of Pi Kappa Alpha, states, "We go to the Freshmen dorms to expose the new guys to the upperclassmen and other aspects of Rose-Hulman." Edwards goes on to explain that he does want many of the guys he meets to rush Pike, but he knows that regardless of Greek affiliation, it's the friendly gesture that needs to be made.

Too many freshmen disregard fraternities because of the images portrayed by movies such as "Animal House" and "P.C.U." Common misconceptions are that social fraternities drink and party too much and are mainly concerned with having a good time. It's these misconceptions that lead people to ignore Rush and the positive components of Greek life.

Fraternity life is about having fun while still in college. Black lights and disco balls allow guys and girls alike to dance to loud music. Socializing while listening to a live band adds that extra element to remind us that college is a social and fun experience. This isn't where Greek life stops; Greek Organizations help their members on every level of campus life. Study files are ample and date back to the mid-eighties. Every group includes an Academic Chair and Faculty Advisor to oversee the welfare of the active members. The Tri Delta Sorority constantly hold sisterhood events to bring the chapter together while having fun and catching up on the latest events. It's these positive activities that are often overlooked due to stereotypes and bad publicity on a national level.

Rose women have an especially difficult time overcoming stereotypes because of the flighty image that is associated with sorority girls. Parents also have a difficult time understanding that Rose fraternities are not the real world version of “Melrose Place.”

Regardless of stereotypes, everyone should participate in Rush. Maybe you'll discover that fraternity life is not your bag. By that time, you'll have met hundreds of upperclassmen and learned who comes from the same hometown with the same major. With an open mind, Rush can be a memorable experience and help you find your niche in the campus.

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