With formal recruitment just around the corner, everyone is buzzing about Greek life and what they think they’re going to do. Before even going off to college, most people already have some pre-conceived ideas about Greek life, and they have their minds made up about how they feel about it. All students fall into one of the following categories: they are either are totally into it, totally against it, or completely unsure of it all. For me, I had never even considered the possibility of joining Greek life, mainly because it was something that I had no idea what it really was (assuming the movies portrayed it much differently and often negatively, and they do), and I know there are always a lot of people out there who feel the same way. So, I’m here to tell you about the good and the not-so-good about Greek life before you make up your mind.

GOOD: Whether or not you decide to actually join, just signing up for recruitment and going through the formal and informal rounds is a great way to meet new people on campus and get to know others who could potentially become your best friends.

BAD: The recruitment process and new member period can be extremely time-consuming. Formal rounds can take a couple hours each night, and before you can be initiated, there can be a lot of meetings and things you must attend in order to learn about the sorority you are going to become a part of. Make sure you are willing to put in the time before rushing; however, remember that all the time is most definitely worth it in the end.

GOOD: You will gain anywhere from 50 to hundreds of new sisters and friends who will welcome you, love you, support you, help and mentor you, make you laugh and have fun, and so much more, and it’s an absolutely incredible feeling. The sisterhood and bonds you form are unlike any other relationship.

BAD: Those who are not part of Greek life will sometimes judge or label you because of what they think sorority girls behave and act like. I often got the question, “Oh, instead of making friends, you’re just going to buy them?” (but don’t let it get to you, they clearly just don’t understand).

GOOD: Becoming a part of a sorority is much, much more than just taking tons of typical girly pictures with your sisters and “throwing what you know” at every opportunity you have. The philanthropy that your sorority is dedicated to is truly an amazing way to realize that you can give back to something that is so much bigger than yourself and really opens your eyes to help others in all the ways that you can.

BAD: To be up front about it, financially joining a sorority can be tough. You have annual dues and fees that you must pay each month or semester, and it can be expensive at times, but don’t let that scare you. If you are going through recruitment, make sure you ask about the specifics of the cost and payment plans, and talk to your parents about ways you can cover it.

GOOD: Through the organization, you will have so many opportunities to take on leadership positions to make a difference within the chapter as well as learn valuable skills for in the workplace, network with others in the chapter as well as alumni, understand what it’s like to make a difference on the campus through different activities and fundraisers, and many more things. The opportunities you will have within Greek life are endless, so make the most of them and see what you can do.

TRUTH: Joining a sorority will have a huge impact on who you are as a person now as well as in 20 years. The saying goes, “It’s not four years, it’s for life,” and that in itself is amazing to me that you will have a connection of sisters for the rest of your life. Becoming part of something that is so much greater than yourself and gives you a reason to strive to be the best version of yourself every day is a great feeling and a great reason to always conduct yourself in a higher manner. You are always representing your letters, your sisters, and the sorority itself, and it really shapes you into a better person all around. It can be intimidating, exciting, nerve-wracking, entertaining, frustrating, enjoyable, and any other emotion you can think of, all at the same time, but it is so worth it when you just sit down and think about it. Being able to be myself yet know that my sisters will always stand by my side no matter what is a feeling that I think everyone should be able to experience. So, the truth about joining a sorority? There really is only good that can come of it. The time is never wasted, the judgments will go away, and money comes and goes, but sisterhood is forever.

(Shout out to all my Zeta Tau Alpha sisters in the Delta Theta chapter and around the world!)