With nearly 48,000 students at Michigan State University, trying to find a place to fit in can be difficult. Thankfully there are over 550 registered student organizations on campus with something for just about everyone. In between the Academic Competition Club and the Zoological Students Association, lies over 55 Greek letter organizations that attract thousands of students every year.
Contrary to popular belief, the stigma of the sorority girl lifestyle isn’t about having the nicest clothes, getting to cut the line at bars and dating frat guys. Being in a sorority offers MSU students the opportunity to create strong relationships, provide helpful service and build amazing networking opportunities. Her Campus MSU caught up with two senior sisters and got their take on Greek life and how it’s impacted their college experience, for the better.
Molly Tyza
Sorority: Delta Gamma
Major: Pre-Med: Human Biology
HCMSU: When did you first decide you wanted to join a sorority?
MT: It was a very last minute decision; I actually never thought that a sorority was going to be a part of my college experience. However, my transition into college was difficult because my closest friends all went to Central together and I was missing them a lot. One of my friends here at MSU friend suggested I go check out Greek Life. I went into it with an open-mind, not really knowing what it was about. Everyone I met was so welcoming and friendly; it instantly made me feel at home. And that’s when I decided, actually during the recruitment process, that I wanted to be a part of a sorority.
HCMSU: Describe your rushing experience. Do you view it differently now that you’re in a sorority as opposed as to when you were rushing?
MT: It was very laid back. I really didn’t know anything about sororities, so I didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t even sure what to wear, so I asked the friend that suggested it to me. She told me to look “polished”. I took that very literally and painted my nails that day thinking that you got points for that kind of thing.
Clearly I know a lot more about the whole process now. It makes me that much more aware of just how little I knew about Greek life when I joined, but I’m actually glad I knew as little as a did. I was genuinely myself and actually enjoyed the process. I see so many girls now who are so nervous; you know that they aren’t really acting like themselves. That’s obviously a very common thing, but it makes me feel fortunate that my recruitment experience happened the way that it did.
HCMSU: Do you think being a part of a sorority has benefited your college experience? If so, how? Do you think it will benefit you after college?
MT: 100%. These girls have been my support system through everything. I can honestly say, if I didn’t have them around, I probably would have transferred to Central to be with my high school friends. I have them to thank for the fact that I will be graduating from Michigan State. Aside from that, they really have been more support system throughout college. These girls are the ones helping me through the bad times and are with me to celebrate the good. I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
HCMSU: Would you recommend others to join a sorority? Why or why not?
MT: Absolutely, I think that there are so many chapters on campus that any girl could find one that she enjoyed. It has been one of the best aspects of my college experience.
HCMSU: What is the most beneficial part of being in a sorority?
MT: The networking. In college, of course it’s a great social network, but after college, it can be a professional network as well. Just by being a part of a fraternity or sorority, you are automatically connected to people all over the country in all different fields.
HCMSU: What has been your favorite event/activity that your sorority has participated in?
MT: Greek Week. All the sororities and fraternities team up and participate in a week long competition to raise money for the American Cancer Society. I think it really captures what fraternities and sororities are all about and it’s a really special time when the whole Greek community comes together. It’s so much fun and is all going towards a great cause, which makes it so much more worth it.
HCMSU: What will you miss most about your sorority when you graduate?
MT: All the little things that have made my time with Delta Gamma so great. It makes me so sad to think that I won’t be pulling all nighters in our study room, raiding my sister’s closets, or just stopping by the house to hang out. It’s those things that I’m going to miss the most. I guess when it comes down to it, I’m just going to miss having these girls in my life on a regular basis. I know the rest of the seniors and I have had more than our fair share of fun and we’re off to the next phase of our lives. Even though it’s sad closing this chapter, I look forward to sharing the future together because while we might all go off in different directions, we’ll always have this special bond that ties us together for life.
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Elenia Uccello
Sorority: Zeta Tau Alpha
Major: Kinesiology
HCMSU: When did you first decide you wanted to join a sorority?
EU: Sophomore year. I was a transfer student as a sophomore and I was placed in McDonel Hall which is an international hall. My suite mates were really cool and I made friends with a couple other people throughout the building, but overall it was really hard to make friends since everyone kept their doors shut. I never wanted to join a sorority because I wasn’t the type to “curl my hair every day and try really hard to look good.” My suite mate, Ashley finally convinced me to rush in the spring because she didn’t want to go alone.
HCMSU: Describe your rushing experience. Do you view it differently now that you’re in a sorority as opposed as to when you were rushing?
EU: After the first phase, I was actually really surprised to find that my image of a sorority was completely wrong. Yes, some girls are like that but I met some awesome girls who I could relate to and weren’t so “girly” all the time. When I walked into Zeta, I couldn’t believe how cool those girls were. I knew right away that’s where I needed to be. I was really nervous about telling my family and friends because I know how most people view sorority girls. People think sororities are exactly like what they see on TV, and they are not at all, or at least Zeta isn’t. There is so much good that comes out of it, so much volunteering, raising money, relay for life, etc. Now that I have been in Zeta for 4 years it’s funny to think back at how I used to stereotype sororities, because my perspective has changed 100%.
HCMSU: Do you think being a part of a sorority has benefited your college experience? If so, how? Do you think it will benefit you after college?
EU: Yes it definitely has benefited my college experience. I know so many people now; it makes this large campus feel so much smaller and so much more like home. I met my four best friends, whom I currently live with through Zeta and I know they will be my best friends forever. I don’t think I would have loved being here as much if it weren’t for the friends that Zeta has given me. I also think it will benefit me when trying to get a job. Being in a sorority gives you an opportunity to become a leader. Being involved in positions on Executive Council or even some of the smaller positions looks great on a resume!
HCMSU: Would you recommend others to join a sorority? Why or why not?
EU: Absolutely! For anyone who has this stereotypical image in their head, trust me, I was the exact same way. But I will thank my suite mate for the rest of my life for not even giving me a choice to go with her that night. It was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made throughout my four years at MSU.
HCMSU: What is your favorite part of being in a sorority?
EU: There are lots of things I enjoy. I love interacting with all sorts of different people and I love helping out. Race for the cure and Relay for Life are probably my top favorite things about being in a sorority. It’s so rewarding to be part of something so great, where thousands of dollars are raised to help those who have cancer. A couple years ago at Race for the Cure, a lady (cancer survivor) came up to a few of us and started crying, thanking us for everything we have done and that she wouldn’t still be here if it weren’t for all the support. Its moments like that that make me so happy to part of such a great organization.
HCMSU: What has been your favorite event/activity that your sorority has participated in?
EU: Last year we participated in the Polar Plunge. I was one of the volunteers and it was an awesome experience!
HCMSU: What will you miss most about your sorority when you graduate?
EU: My friends (roommates) and being with them every single day. Also, all of the awesome events we participate and the great feeling you get when you do something to help another person out.
For more information on Greek life and the organizations available on campus visit: http://www.msugreeklife.org/msu-greek-life