Whenever I mention that I am in a sorority I am always asked the same question: “Why did you join?” I was never what one might call the “sorority type. If you ask any of my friends from high school, they would tell you that they all laughed when I told them I was going to be a part of a sorority. I like to hike, spend nights in, and I am constantly obsessing over my GPA. They simply didn’t get it. The real problem was, they simply didn’t understand Greek life.

Many people become stuck on the stereotypes that they hear about Greek life and don’t take the time to truly get to know what being part of the Greek community is all about. Going Greek opens up your college life to so many different opportunities like community service projects, an academic support system, leadership opportunities, a network of alum, and –of course – meeting people all over campus and having a great social life. Joining a sorority has been the best decision I made so far at Rutgers and I honestly could not be happier.

Just by going Greek I have had the chance to participate in service events such as Relay for Life, Dance Marathon, the RU for Kids program, and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. These events have given me the chance to make a difference within the community while also giving me the chance to get to know other students on campus. Being a part of the Greek community means giving back and getting involved in important issues. I cannot express how dedicated to helping others and genuinely good-hearted my sisters are. Just this August ten of my sisters took a trip to Maine for seven days to build houses with the Maine Sea Coast Mission – one of my sorority’s three philanthropies. I am lucky to have met these girls and to be able to call them my close friends.      

Not only does going Greek help the community, but it puts a strong emphasis on striving to be your best. Academics is a huge part of the Greek system. Since all members are required to maintain a certain GPA, most Greek organizations hold study hours and have a form of academic support system. I had my best GPA during the semester I rushed my sorority because sisters were constantly asking me if I needed any help and making sure that I was not falling behind in any of my classes. I also attended study hours at the house as a way to hang out with my sisters. Just getting together with my friends for a late night study session boosted my GPA! 

While good grades can get you far, going Greek can often help you when you’re up against some tough competitions after graduation. Joining a Greek organization provides you with a large network of alumni that are always willing and ready to help when you need it. They may even help you land a job with their company or write you a recommendation letter. You never know when the person you are interviewing with was also in your Greek organization in college or when your organization may catch someone’s eye. One of my sisters landed her internship because the woman hiring for the position was an alumnae of our sorority. The strength of Greek alumni can truly make a difference in your professional career. 

Connections with graduated members of your organization is important, but so is meeting new people. Going Greek opens your eyes to so many things happening on campus and gives you the opportunity to meet new people every day. I have met people from all over campus through the events I participate in through Greek life. Not to mention the 100 sisters I gained through rushing. These girls have been there for me for the past two years and I know that they will continue to support me in the future, just as I will support them. 

My sisters have taught me that going Greek is about finding a place to call home, not only for your college years, but for life. Going Greek doesn’t mean going out all the time, spending hours trying to look perfect, and forgetting about your studies. It means making a fool out of yourself but still having people that love you anyway, taking hours to leave the house because you just can’t stop a conversation with one of your friends, having a support system even when everything seems to be going wrong, and, most of all, growing into the person you want to be. My high school friends don’t laugh anymore when I talk about my sorority because now they see that I am making a change within my community, I am at my academic peak, and I am making friends that I know will last a lifetime. Joining a sorority was by far the best decision I made at Rutgers and I would encourage everyone out there to GO GREEK!