If someone told me in high school that I would be in a sorority, I would have looked at them like they had horns on their head. I never saw myself as that type of girl: the sorority girl. That type of girl who is portrayed in movies and in TV shows as drinking all the time, being blonde, and having designer clothing. The only things I knew about Greek life were from the media, which mostly gave it a negative connotation. However, I decided to see what it was all about.
Second semester of my freshman year, I went through a recruitment where I learned more about Greek life. It was the most stressful and nerve-wracking week and I think that’s how a lot of girls who go through recruitment feel. You are meeting so many girls each night, trying to connect with them, and essentially trying to find a place where you belong in all of this. I met all four sororities on campus, which were all great in their own way. I learned about each of their philanthropies, dues, values, and other things as well. Ultimately, I found the sorority that I fit with the best and that was Alpha Sigma Alpha. Accepting my bid from them was the best decision I have made in college so far.
I learned so much from and about my sorority in the almost two years I have been a member. It has definitely changed me for the better. I’ve learned better communication skills, leadership, to break out my shell, and mostly importantly to be a part of something bigger than myself. It’s rewarding to do community service and raise money for different organizations. I also love all of the people that I have met through my sorority and through Greek life in general. My favorite part is always seeing my sisters around campus and knowing that they are always there if I need them.
With all of the great things I learned about Greek life, I also have heard a lot of negative things as well. When I say I’m in a sorority to some people, I get an eye roll and they say that sororities are just about partying. Others say that you are just paying for your friends. They are so wrong. Every organization or sports team makes people pay to be on it. So why should Greek life be any different? I’ve learned that certain people just always think negatively when they hear anything about Greek life. I’ve lost friendships from joining my sorority and was told by someone how they would never hire anyone who was in Greek life. That being said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But now, I could never imagine myself not in a sorority. People will always judge and think what they want, but I am happy with the decision that I made.
“From the outside looking in, you can never understand it. From the inside looking out, you can never explain it.”