When you think of "Greek life" whats comes to mind? My mind automatically conjures images of wild frat parties, herds of girls in shirts with giant Greek letters, and the other miscellaneous social scenes we see in the movies. Well, of course, that has not been my experience at all being a part of Greek life.
The heart of Greek life from my experience is fellowship. I think what sets Greek life apart from everything else on the college campus is that it is truly a fellowship. We do what other clubs and organizations do, we advocate for charities by raising both money and awareness. The difference is that we focus on the bond between the members. For me, this was actually the hardest part.
I was not self-aware of my own struggle with anxiety until college. While it was always a part of me, I chose to ignore it. I went into college mostly introverted. I prefer to keep to myself, I don't really have a desire to make friends in my classes. I've always preferred to sit at home and read a book or watch tv by myself or with family. I'm not one to accept an invite to dinner with someone I'm not 100 percent comfortable around. It was a little out of character for me to decide to rush a sorority, but I am glad that I did. It wasn't easy at first. Being in a sorority means I have a meeting once a week. I have to go and make small talk and attempt to feel at home in a room of 50+ girls. This is the ultimate "stepping out of your comfort zone" for me. In addition to weekly meetings, we have essential events. I have been forced to open up and make friends. I'm constantly worrying if I'll show up alone at an event and not have a friend to talk to. It's an ongoing struggle, but I've made close friends despite my anxiety. I have friends that I can call and ride to meetings together. I get nervous around the girls, even to this day, when they have been nothing but sweet to me. Anxiety shows no mercy. It is relentless- especially when you are surrounded by so many awesome and beautiful girls. A lot of these girls have helped me with my anxiety without even knowing it.
My sorority has taught me that I'm not alone in my highs or my lows. I can confide in these girls about my insecurities and struggles. I've realized I'm not the only one who gets nervous about showing up to a big social event by myself. There are girls in my sorority who are introverted like myself, and there are girls who are the polar opposite. I've made friends who are just like me and made friends who some are completely different from me. I still struggle with anxiety, but I'm not alone. I'm writing this because I am not alone, and neither are you. It is 100 percent OK to go talk to a therapist and even see how a medication might work for you, and it's healthy to admit your struggle with anxiety (even if only to yourself). Joining a sorority was my way of telling my anxiety that I am not letting it win.
