As summer comes to a close and fall semester approaches, you may start considering wanting to join Greek Life. You walk on campus for the first time in total culture-shock as you see girls and guys wearing their letters while handing out flyers at tables that read "Go Greek!" on them. You start to think of all stereotypical sorority and fraternity images from Hollywood's depiction of them in movies such as "Neighbors". Sorry to break it to you, but there is so much more to being a part of Greek Life than those unrealistic stereotypes that you may have in mind, and those reasons are what makes Greek Life worthwhile.
Being a part of a Greek organization is one of the many opportunities that college provides for you, and it definitely is an amazing one. Going Greek is a once in a lifetime chance that will actually last forever upon joining. Although recruitment is a long process, it is also a memorable one that will be worth it in the end.
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So here is a few reasons why I think you should consider going through recruitment to find your home:
1. Sisterhood Lasts Forever.
Being able to say that the girls in your sorority are your sisters is an understatement. We are (as they say) "sisters by chance, friends by choice". We are forever. Your sisters are future bridesmaids, shoulders to cry on and friends to celebrate with. You can even join an alumnae chapter after graduating so that you can reconnect with your sisters from your area! What is more amazing than that?
2. Being a Part of a Panhellenic Community.
There are 26 sororities that fall under the Panhellenic council. Being a part of a Panhellenic community allows girls to love each other not only as a single sorority, but also as a community. We all never fail to support one another through various Philanthropic events that mean so much to each and every one of us.
3. Philanthropy.
Every sorority has it's own "Philanthropy" that raises money and awareness for a certain cause. As I said before, not only does each sorority support their own philanthropy, however, everyone in the Greek community comes together to support one another. This sense of community and support is so promising. Also, there is nothing better than raising money and awareness for a philanthropy when you can also have a ton of fun while doing it!
4. School Spirit!
There is nothing better than being able to not only represent your own sorority, but the whole entire Greek Community at school events. Whether it's at countless sports games or being a part of student government, you'll never fail to see a fellow Greek participating to support your school!
5. ENDLESS T-shirts.
Upon joining a sorority, you'll be receiving SO many t-shirts to a point where you'll have an entire drawer dedicated to them. They're endless; t-shirts for every event possible. Bid day shirts, formal shirts, just-because shirts; you'll never need to buy clothes for quite a while.
6. Big/Little.
When you first join your sorority, you will get to know some of the older sisters as they also get to know you. That's when you'll get your "Big". You will receive clues and little gifts from your big ranging from a few days to a week (depending on the sorority) that eventually leads up to Big/Little reveal where you can finally reunite with your Big! Having a Big, and a whole entire family line (Grand-big, twin, etc.), allows you to grow even closer to your sisters! Your Big is your role model and best friend, and pretty soon you'll also be able to have a little of your own to add to your family line.
7. Formal, Sisterhood Events, and Socials.
So what EXACTLY do sororities do for fun besides philanthropy and receiving t-shirts? Well some of the opportunities that you'll be able to do if you decide to rush and accept your bid, will be formal and semi-formal, sisterhood events, and socials. Now, all of these vary depending on which sorority you're talking about, but formal and semi-formal are (as you may have guessed) dances where you can invite either a friend or a date and just have fun with all of your sisters! Another thing that you'll be able to attend are sisterhood events where you go on a retreat and bond with all of your sisters; another opportunity to get know each other even more. And finally, socials. Usually, socials are where you basically hang out with another sorority or fraternity. Some of the socials that sororities have can include bowling, going to velocity and going ice skating! They're super fun and help grow our Greek community!
8. Leadership and opportunity.
Within each sorority, you have positions such as President, Risk Management, Marketing, and other chairs that you can be a part of. Being able to have this opportunity allows you to build your leadership skills and even add to your resume. Being one of these leaders may even allow you to network into landing jobs and internships when leaving college and going out into the real world. Some sororities even give out scholarships towards members who apply and are qualified for them!
So in the end, there is so much more to joining a sorority than what you may think. If you take anything out of reading this, I hope you'll give sorority rush a try. It is most definitely life changing, and this year can finally be your chance! Make the most of these next four years, or whatever you have left of them. Find your "home away from home", continue or even create your family legacy, find your forever friends and Go Greek!
