Tufts has three sororities, nine fraternities, and one forority on campus. As a prospective student, I remember being averse to schools with a strong Greek Life. Then, in the second semester of my freshman year, I decided to join Chi Omega. What changed my mind? Our small Greek presence is actually our strength, leading to cohesiveness among the chapters and the ability to be involved without it defining you. I can honestly say I’ve met some of my best friends through my sorority and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.
In the next couple months, we will be profiling each Greek House to help you see what sets them apart. First up, here’s the lowdown from the chapter president on Chi Omega, that white house between DTD and DU at 106 Professors Row.
Chi Omega Sorority
Nickname: Chi O
Symbol: Owl, Skull and Crossbones
Flower: White Carnation
Colors: Cardinal and Straw (red and yellow)
Founded: 1895 at the University of Arkansas
Established at Tufts: 1910
Philanthropy: Make a Wish Foundation
Events: Fall Swishes for Wishes and Spring Dishes for Wishes
Audrey Wilson
Hometown: Andover, Massachusetts
Majors: Sociology, Peace and Justice Studies
Class: 2013
What made you want to join Greek Life? To be honest, I had a misperception of Greek Life freshmen year. I definitely thought it was not what it was. But, my dad’s biggest regret was not to join a fraternity. So he convinced me to rush.
Tell us about Chi Omega, what makes it unique? There’s a really good sense of community in Chi O. People are always willing to grow and be open to new ideas. We value tradition but…we’re not letting tradition hold us down. We have sisters from all over campus with different experiences. Also, we’re really big, so there’s always someone you can go to as a resource or for support. You know that you have a really big network of sisters…so that’s a really great aspect of it. And, there’s no cookie cutter Chi O, we all come from different backgrounds and experiences and that’s what makes us so great because everyone brings something new to the table.
What do you think of Greek Life at Tufts? I think Greek Life at Tufts is getting better and better…The new Greek Director, Su McGlone, is fabulous and is going to bring a lot of new ideas. We just had a Greek Retreat last weekend which is really great, its hard to get all the leaders to sit down together, and its great that we’re all on the same page…We all have the best interest of Greek Life in mind.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about Greek Life? Coming into Tufts, I’ve only heard of Greek Life from The House Bunny, literally that’s what I thought it was. I thought, “I can make my own friends, I don’t need a sorority to do that.”… [Sororities] can come across as really cliquey, which it has the potential to be. But, I think if you’re always working to circumvent the cliques than you can make of it what you wish.
Do you think there’s any truth to the Greek Life stereotypes? There are cliques but I feel like there’s a greater sense of sisterhood that surpasses the cliques. Sure, it’s impossible to be best friends with 110 girls so there might be groups of friends, but I don’t think those groups ever create problems.
What are you excited about in the coming year in Chi Omega? This semester there’s a lot of opportunity to do inter-sorority activities and more bonding as a chapter. We are working on a house initiative to get more sisters to come to the house and have positive time there. We’re teaming up with TSR to do a fitness program on Sundays and just doing different fun activities, which is really why we’re in this group to begin with, to be friends.
How would you improve Chi Omega? By getting more people to come to the house. Internally, we’re trying to get people to remember why we’re in Chi O: through improving philanthropy, through reasons beyond social reasons. We want personal growth this semester and to improve upon everything that we already have.
What would be your advice to people considering going through recruitment? Keep an open mind, especially during recruitment. Don’t forget that the sisters are probably more nervous than you are. We have to make small talk, which personally isn’t one of my best skills. So, just be yourself because that’s what we’re interested in seeing. Ultimately, we just want to be friends with you!
Image from chiomega.com