I go to a liberal arts college where over half the student body is involved in Greek life. When I was preparing to leave for college, I didn’t even know what Greek life was, and now I’m lucky as hell to be a part of it. I didn’t pick my school because of the sororities and fraternities, it’s just an added plus. So for all you incoming freshman, go through recruitment, if it’s not for you, drop. You can’t knock it before you try it.
1. The whole point of joining a sorority is to find where you belong.
Not every sorority women is “rail skinny with waist length blonde hair”. In fact, I am a collegiate athlete on Dean’s list WITH a position in my sorority. I don’t wear heels, I wear Nikes. I don’t wear dresses, I wear sweats. And quite often I rock my letters WITHOUT makeup. I found a group of girls to do that stuff with me, a group of girls who have the same values as me, who are like me- girls I genuinely care for. As cliche as it sounds, I have found some best friends, some bridesmaids, in my sorority while also having friends NOT in Greek life.
2. Sorority women can be Christians too.
We are human beings too, sometimes we judge, but those not involved in Greek life judge too. We are all sinners, but just because we are in a sorority we’re worse? I’m sorry, but I’m 1000 percent sure that is not how it works. Also, not every sorority woman owns Lilly Pulitzer or MAC makeup. Honestly, I had to look up what Lilly Pulitzer was and I don’t know about you, but I buy my makeup from Walmart.
3. The money? What money?
You got one thing right, college is expensive. Honestly, being in a sorority isn’t as expensive as you think. I’m saving several grand living in my sorority house instead of living in the dorms. We choose to spend our extra money on our sorority to have fun events like bowling or ice skating, and you spend your extra money on…?
4. College is a clean slate.
I was a total dork in high school too. I was a mathlete with several state medals, I was in student council and a class officer, etc etc. I too spent a majority of my time studying when I wasn’t at volleyball practice or one of the 16 clubs I was involved in. When you join a sorority, they want you for WHO YOU ARE. They don’t change you or belittle you. They reassure you and accept who you are. Oh, and those 100 sisters are the best support system a college freshman could ask for.
5. Social gatherings are fun.
Those mixers and formals are fun, you said so yourself. I guess if you can’t have fun and maintain a good GPA then maybe you should just hole up in your room and only come out for class. We have fun by having a dance, I’m sure you’ve spent countless nights eating pizza and watching Netflix with friends, what’s the big difference? P.S. I go to dances and mixers and still am on Dean’s List...time management friends.
6. The process of rushing.
Sure you go to each house and talk to the active members, but you get to feel them out just as they are getting to know you. You want to find the girls that make you feel the most comfortable, the girls you really connect with. It’s just like picking a college, you get that feeling and you know. I’m not going to lie, it is tiring, but the lifelong friendships you find make it so worth the one week of tiredness.
7. The stigma.
The sorority stigma is still around because of people like you. People who judge Greek life without even trying it, people who watch television and assume every person in sorority just likes to party and have one night stands. We really are genuine people who have normal people struggles, we are just like everyone else in this world.
8. Time commitment.
Again, if you’re in a sorority, you know this: the time commitment is literally ONE HOUR a week on average. And you can be excused from it if you have other commitments. If you choose to have a position, it will take more time out of your week, but that is something you chose. And you can be involved in Greek life and on Dean’s List--I did it while being an athlete too.
So, if you’re starting college in the fall, take a moment and really think about recruitment. You really can’t judge something until you try it. Greek life isn’t for everyone, but it is something truly special, something only those involved can feel.
