This week marks the opening of registration for formal recruitment at Penn State. Although it doesn't actually start until September, this means it's time for all the incoming freshmen and rising sophomores to make the decision whether to go Greek or not. It's one of the most important decisions that will shape your next four years and help you connect with people who will become your best friends, whether you decide to go through formal recruitment or not. Being a member of Greek life is not the most important part of being in college, but there are endless benefits to joining a sorority.
You meet your sisters.
I only have a little brother. A very smelly, annoying little brother, who I have asked my parents to trade in for a little sister repeatedly. Now I have 200 sisters in my chapter, thousands of sisters around the country and a big sister and little sister who are not only my "phamily," they feel like my real sisters. I also get to share the closets of the 34 other girls who live on our floor with me, which comes in handy often. If I have have boy problems or a dumb question (this happens often), I know that my sisters will always make me feel better.
You have a built in network.
If you simply Google "Famous members of ____ sorority," you're bound to find some insanely cool and inspiring women who are technically your sisters. From famous actresses, politicians and businesswomen, sororities have long been known for being great networks of women who work hard. Being able to go into an interview and have something in common with the interviewer, like sharing your Greek sisterhood. Another great benefit, is running into other members all over the place. It will make you proud to wear your letters.
You make school smaller.
Going to such a large school can be terrifying. Meeting so many people with so many different interests can make it difficult to figure out who you fit in with. By going through formal recruitment, you get the opportunity to talk to dozens of girls and make connections with the girls you are most similar to. By the end of your first few weeks in Greek life, you realize why you got picked by your sorority. Not only do you have a shared connection with your chapter, but with every member of Greek life, male or female. When something bad happened, like the death of Tally Sepot during a canning trip, all of Greek life comes together to grieve. During THON you get to look through the BJC and see everyone holding their letters proudly and feel that connection.
You get better grades.
Most people think that joining a sorority will tank your GPA, but that belief is unjustified. Studies have shown that members of Greek life on average have a higher GPA than unaffiliated students, as well as a higher likelihood of graduating in four years. Having an entire chapter of girls working hard to get the highest GPA on campus will push you to do better in school. And if you're doing bad in a class, chances are you have a sorority sister who has taken the same class and can help you out.
It makes you a better person.
It sounds completely cheesy, but all of the reasons to go Greek above lead up to this. Being a member of a sorority at Penn State will introduce you to hundred of hard working women who want to make the community a better place. Getting more involved in your chapter will teach you important life skills and give you leadership opportunities that a regular job could never teach you.
