I am a proud member of Greek life on my campus. Before coming to school, I never planned on joining a sorority, ever. When I arrived, I fell in love. I come from a small (read: tiny) school, so our chapter sizes are usually under 30. However, I wouldn't change a thing about it. My sisters mean everything to me and the small campus allows me to not only be involved with my sorority but it lets me get close to other groups as well.
1. You get 30 more girls you can call sisters.
Seriously it's so cool. I can't explain how wonderful it is to be able to walk down a hallway asking for a shirt that matches what I'm wearing right now . My first few months of Greek life I felt awkward calling these girls my sisters because they aren't by blood, but now I can't stop saying it. You always have a group of girls to go lean on and cry to if your life sucks that day. You have someone who can drive you home at the drop of a hat because your night isn't going well. There is always a sister ready to help you- no matter what.
2. You become more involved!
Before joining my sorority all I did was dance. I never planned on holding any positions nor did I care if literally anyone on campus knew my name. When I joined, however, I watched my chapter president lead like an all-star. I swear, watching her be in charge while being poised and calculated in everything she did to make our experience amazing while we were members made me want to help. It made me want to be a leader and to help my sisters grow in their chapter. Watching her lead gave me goosebumps. Watching all these girls who were only a year or two older than me lead my chapter like champs really inspired me, and to this day still does.
3. You become a better person.
My chapter's creed encourages us to be a better person. We strive to be good sisters to one another and to be good students as well. My sisters are some of the most hardworking women I know. They spend hours trying to better themselves and get good grades. My sisters aren't studying for their "MRS" degree. They are studying to be lawyers and doctors and I am so proud of each and every one of them.
4. They are so inclusive.
Greek life is not for everyone, but Greek life here tries to include everyone regardless. It doesn't matter if your best friend is from another sorority or independent, everyone matters. My sisters always want to include my friends for dinner or going out. We are not ones to say "you're not one of us", and that's how every group is here. It's so wonderful to be able to expand our horizons and include everyone.
5. Philanthropy.
Philanthropy is not just something sororities and fraternities pretend to care about. It's actually important to us. We want to help everyone in anyway possible. We may be required to get certain hours of serving done a semester, but almost every single sister gets more than twice the amount they need because they want to. Our philanthropies are near and dear to our hearts and we always carry a love for it. Every group I have encountered has been like this, no matter what the philanthropy we are always wanting to help.
6. The girls.
The girls in my sorority mean the world to me. I can go cry to them if something goes wrong, and they will understand and buy me ice cream. I can text them my stupid questions in the middle of the night and they will always respond and not think I'm an idiot. Sisters are always down for a Kwik Trip run and are always willing to do someone's hair for formal. The girls make the sorority worthwhile. Being able to call them sisters for life is the biggest perk.
7. It knocks down stereotypes.
Greek life isn't all about drinking and going out and all of the bad things that TV shows associate it with. I have learned that Greek life is about support, academics and friendships. Groups on my campus aren't full of blonde, preppy girls who only talk about boys. You will always run into those people, but they are the exception to the rule. It is more likely to run into a girl on my floor who is stressing about how many homework assignments she has because she's taking 25 hours of lab classes so she can get into med school.
8. Support, support, support.
The support in Greek life is never ending. It doesn't matter where you come from or who you are, there is always a sister ready to help you. Sisters come watch my dance performances all the time, and I love watching other sisters do what they do best as well. The best part about Greek life is the support system isn't always coming from your own chapter too. Sometimes the support comes from your friends' entire sisterhood who are also coming to watch you perform. The support system I have found in Greek life is unlike anything I have ever encountered.
9. It's home.
It's truly as simple as that. When I walked into my sorority I knew it was where I belonged. I still get goosebumps when we say our creed and sing our songs. I still am in awe of the rich history we were founded on. I have grown to respect my sisters more and more each day and I can't possibly imagine life without this group of women.
Greek life was the best decision I made at college. I have never looked back and never plan to. My sisterhood is for life and I will respect it forever.
