Recently, I read an article about why women who are starting college shouldn't go through recruitment. Being in a sorority myself, I decided to read it and see why the writer had a terrible experience, just to find out that she hadn't gone through recruitment. I was immediately bothered that someone had such a terrible opinion of Greek life, but wasn't even a part of it, and clearly didn't get how it worked.
I completely understand those who don't go through recruitment because it is not for everyone and that is okay. But with someone bashing something so many people are apart of, giving others the wrong idea of what Greek Life is, is something that I couldn't get out of my head. The reasons that were given were just so silly to me that I've decided to explain why a lot of them don't really have valid reasons or are just completely untrue. If you are considering recruitment, please check this out and know that you will always have a home somewhere.
1. You will find a place you belong
You don't have to fit a certain type of women. Believe it or not, not every single girl is the same in sororities. Everyone is their own person and has their own interests. You'll be able to find your home. You don't have to wear wedges everyday, have blonde hair or go to Zumba classes. Don't let anyone ever tell you you don't belong somewhere. That's the great thing about sororities, you find the place you fit in. You find your best friends and your home and your bridesmaids. You'll find your home and don't let anyone tell you differently.
2. The Money
Don't get me wrong, there are dues to pay. But the same is for most organizations. The money doesn't just go towards silly things like matching outfits or having a personal chef. They go toward really real things like providing women with scholarships, paying national dues and towards philanthropies. You don't have to be made of money to join a sorority. Believe me, my family is by no means rich and I pay my dues by myself, but that doesn't mean I can't be in a sorority because I'm not rich. I don't pay for my friends. But man, if I did pay for them, I could sure never pay enough for the amazing friendships I've gained.
3. College is a clean slate
So why not jump out of your comfort zone and try something new. No, it's not the only way to make friends and I have friends who aren't Greek, but it is also a really good way to make friends. Your sisters aren't going to care what you've done in your past because this is a new start to your life and they want you to have the best experience ever. There are no expectations on how to dress or act and you don't have to pretend to be rich or happy. You can be yoursself. That's all any of your sisters will ever want you to be.
4. Social Gatherings Don't Trump School
Just because you are in a sorority, doesn't mean you are dumb and drop all things school related. You came to college for school, not sorority. But being in a sorority doesn't take away from the rest of your life if you plan accordingly and learn how to schedule you weeks. I know plenty of girls who are taking 18 credits and have a 4.0. There are no expectations that come with a sorority that say you have to give up your school work. To be honest, Greeks tend to have a high GPA on campuses as a whole. There is and endless amount of study buddies and people that can help you with your homework. School takes pretty high priority over everything else in Greek life.
5. The stigma
Just because Greek Life can have "a stigma" to it, doesn't mean that you have to live up to it. It's sad that the few ruin it for the whole, but when you are apart of Greek Life you know that you are apart of the bigger picture; to help people and create great bonds with not only your sisters, but the whole Greek community. You shouldn't care what other people think about you when they find out your Greek. They obviously don't know everything that comes with Greek Life and how much we all do to help others.
6. Time Commitment
Yes, there is a huge time commitment when you join Greek life, no one is going to lie to you about that. But that is something that you work through. You can still focus on other aspects in your life. If you learn how to schedule yourself accordingly and invest in a planner (trust me, you'll want one) it will be a lot easier. You don't have to stop studying, you can still be in the Honors program (I know several Greeks who are), you can still be in other organizations.
So before you let someone convince you not to go through Recruitment, please consider how one sided and argument can be from someone and do your research. Remember, no matter what it is, saying something bad about an organization, group, or even people you don't know can give them a bad image. Let people make the decision for themselves. Going Greek is the best decision I have ever made and I wouldn't change it for the world.
