I was always the girly girl who wore pink bows and grew up wanting to be Elle Woods in college. Idolize does not even cover my desire to be exactly like her. I just knew every sorority girl was exactly like her. My six year old self was very insistent that one day, I would be a Delta Nu and I would stay up studying one night and make it into Harvard Law.
Now, I am a junior and I can fully reflect on what being in a sorority actually means. Yes, it is the most fun I have ever had. Yes, I love my sisters more than anything. In my two years of being in a sorority at the University of Arkansas, I have met the strongest and most brilliant women. Every sorority has something to offer, but you will find a special place in the one you belong.
1. Sisterhood
Sisterhood is more than just going to functions and tailgating together. It’s being a part of a group of women who all have common goals and values. It’s sharing stories and making memories and loving your sisters for who they are. It’s being there for one another and always having someone to talk to. The memories you share with your sisters are irreplaceable and sacred.
2. Big Sisters
Cliché, yes; but you don’t know true love like your big-little love. My big and I are from the same home town in Texas, we both watch reality TV like nerds, and she is the one person I know 100% will be there for me every time. People always say how much they love their big and yes it is so annoying, but when you get a big, you will understand why everyone says they love theirs. Whether you are 1 hour from home or 8 hours from home, having a person who is there unconditionally to talk about that loser ex-boyfriend of yours is great because, let’s be honest, there are some things you just can’t tell your mom.
3. Philanthropy
There is a fine line between truly being involved with community service in high school and just saying you were because you paid the $10 fee to be in a certain club so you can have it on your resume for recruitment. I firmly believe giving back is one of the most fundamental tasks a person must do in order to be well rounded. I came from a small town, so I didn’t know much about the outside struggles so many individuals face every day. Make sure to always take advantage of community service projects your sorority and other Panhellenic organizations sponsor. It really changes people and the community in such a positive way. Not to mention- philanthropy events are so much fun!
4. Values
Your sisters are like you, and it is not by coincidence. That is why it is called recruitment; each sorority looks for certain qualities in girls. That is why it is so necessary to go in with an open mind because you will find that house that you absolutely love and that loves you too.
5. T-Shirts
Nothing is even comparable to logging onto Houndstooth or B-unlimited and seeing that your awesome t-shirt chair uploaded four new spring break tank tops. Seeing your letters plastered all over campus makes you swell with pride when you think about all the effort and hours you put into winning last nights dance competition. It’s so easy to just throw on a comfort color shirt before class with black norts and Nike frees. But it’s more than that. It’s a constant reminder that all those homecoming hours mattered because you won that year, and every time you see a sister wearing that t-shirt, it brings back all the memories associated with everything you have been through with your sorority.
6. Tutors
Every sorority cares about grades and GPA’s. I guarantee you that in every sorority, there is an older member who took that super hard chemistry class that you are in and I bet they have a practice test that will help you ace your final. After all, we are in college to get an academic education as well as a social education.
7. Chicken Finger Friday/Fiesta Friday
Most functions are on Thursdays. So hallelujah that Friday afternoon lunches are a thing at The University of Arkansas! Nothing cures a hangover like some sweet tea, chicken and mashed potatoes. It also doubles as an informal way to show off that hot guy you are currently talking to (who is obviously off limits to everyone else.) Totally. Off. Limits.
8. Functions
You don’t even know fun until you are in a room with ten girls all trying to figure out how the heck you make a toga look sexy. It’s a skill- let me tell you! Bless social chairs, honestly, because they always do such a great job. Make sure to always thank your social chairs for working so hard.
9. Spring Break
PCB freshman year– seriously everyone go and stay in either The Summit or in a close enough location to that. You will have so much fun and become so much closer with your sisters. Please be careful though, and represent your chapter well.
10. Internships and Connections
Again, academic education it is why we are here. Alumnae want to hire you! They really do, and being in a sorority has given me so many opportunities to excel in my field of study. Every sorority has alums who literally send emails asking people to apply for that super cool campus rep position everyone wants. Did I mention that because you are an active member, they most likely will show preference in hiring you? It is fabulous. *Beyoncé hair flip*
The Panhellenic Greek Community at the University of Arkansas is amazing. Each and every sorority is special in many different way. Together, we make up a valuable community of intelligent and beautiful women from the inside and out that truly makes a difference in the community.