Greek life is a great way to get involved on any campus. At Brandeis, we currently have three sororities recruiting new members for the Fall 2013 semester. Although recruitment began this Tuesday, it’s not too late to check out all three sororities to see if you can find an organization that best fits you. Sorority recruitment at Brandeis is informal recruitment. Sororities host typically about two weeks worth of events that are a fun and commitment-free way of meeting new people. We talked to a student from each sorority and a student who did not join a sorority to help you get a perspective of Greek life on campus.
Esther Lee, Sigma Delta Tau:
Her Campus: Why did you look into Greek life?
Esther Lee: I looked into Greek life the second semester of my freshman year because I thought it was a great way to network more people on campus. Although I made close friends my first semester, I wanted to meet more people. Greek life definitely helped reach that goal.
HC: Why did you pick SDT?
EL: After going to different recruitment events and meeting a lot of sisters, I felt the most at home with the sisters of Sigma Delta Tau. I also really bonded with a sister who later became my big sister in the sorority (love you!). Most of all, I really liked the traditions of SDT. SDT National Office actually gave me the amazing opportunity to meet with sisters from other chapters this summer and I loved that we knew the same songs and traditions.
HC: What’s your favorite part of SDT?
EL: My favorite part of SDT is that it has changed my life in immeasurable ways. It’s given me a network of capable women I’m proud to call my sisters and friends, a big sister who is my best friend, a sense of belonging, and leadership opportunities. I currently serve on executive board as the treasurer and I’ve learned so many important financial and budgeting skills that I would never have known if I had not joined SDT.
Shayna Straus, Kappa Beta Gamma:
Her Campus: Why did you look into Greek life?
Shayna Straus: I was a midyear, and friends that I made my first semester at Brandeis were all joining Greek life. I wanted to find my place in the Brandeis community, and once I have achieved that, I wanted to meet as many new people as possible. Eventually, I realized that Greek life was the perfect match for me, and helped me do exactly that.
HC: Why did you pick KBG?
SS: I picked KBG because I felt an instant connection with the girls in this sorority. Being in a sisterhood means that you are going to spend a lot of time with each other, so it is important to make sure you find girls that are the most like yourself, and who bring the best out of you. These girls definitely accomplished that, and I feel like the have helped me reach the best version of myself, which is all I could ever ask for.
HC: What’s your favorite part of KBG?
SS: My favorite part of KBG are the friends that I’ve made that I know will last beyond my years at Brandeis. Being a part of Kappa Beta Gamma has also allowed me to be more outgoing and open with new people, whom I probably would not have met if I had never joined the sorority. KBG has given me my best memories at Brandeis and has provided me with a group of girls that I wouldn’t trade for anything!
Ariel Madway, Delta Phi Epsilon:
HC: Why did you look into Greek life?
AM: Simply put, I looked into Greek-life because I needed a support system to help me survive college. By the end of my midyear semester I still hadn’t found my place at Brandeis and was searching for a family away from home. During my first semester I had befriended a handful of Greeks, all of whom had repeatedly suggested that I rush. At first I was resistant, unsure whether or not the sorority life was for me; however, eventually I stopped resisting and decided to see what it was really all about. So there I was, at my first DPhiE rush event, dressed in “masquerade” attire and surrounded by a sea of unfamiliar, smiling faces. I was nervous, shy and completely unsure what to expect; however, as rush progressed, each sister I talked to was so genuine, passionate, enthusiastic, and welcoming. Finally, for the first time since coming to Brandeis, I found a place where I felt like I belonged.
HC: Why did you pick DPhiE?
AM: Years before coming to Brandeis I had met Leah Finkelman (a recent Brandeis graduate and DPhiE alumnae) through mutual friends. When she found out I was coming to Brandeis she reached out to me and a beautiful friendship began. As my midyear semester dragged on and I grew increasingly unhappy at Brandeis, Leah began persuasively suggesting that I check out her sorority, convinced that I would love it as much as she did. And she was right. Having waited a semester to rush, by the time I began seriously considering going Greek I was already familiar with the reputations associated with each of the three sororities and knew a few sisters of each. I briefly looked into all three, but there was no where I felt as comfortable and as welcome as I did at DPhiE. I felt an immediate connection to the group of 50plus girls, each so unique but held together by a single common thread of sisterhood.
HC: Favorite part of being in DPhiE (or a sorority in general)
AM: It is hard to pinpoint a singular favourite thing about being a sister of DPhiE because the entire experience has become such an integral part of my identity. As I begin my senior year of college and my second semester as DPhiE president, I cannot imagine what my life would be like had I not decided to rush that fall. I know it sounds cliche, but DPhiE has shaped my college experience and helped me grow as a person in ways I can not accurately articulate in words.That said, at the end of the day, being in a sorority would mean nothing if it weren’t for the relationships which form within. Being a sister is about so much more than wearing matching letters and hosting social events; it is having a group of girls who are there for you and have your back no matter what. Through DPhiE I have made the best friends of my entire life, met my future bridesmaids, and formed bonds which I know will last forever. There is no one else who can put a smile on my face as quickly as my sisters can. Thanks to DPhiE, I couldn’t possibly have asked for a better college experience. I am so proud to be part of such an amazing, crazy, hillarious, loyal, and loving family.
Catherine Cho
Her Campus: Did you look at Greek Life?
Catherine Cho: Yes, I looked at Greek life. I went to the first event, Meet and Greek and talked to the girls there. I continued to attend several events for sororities that I was interested in.
HC: Why didn’t you go through with recruitment?
CC: I didn’t find a good fit for me. A lot of girls do, but I found my space in other clubs and made friends with girls on my hall.
HC: Do you have any regrets?
CC: No- That’s because I feel like I met a lot of great people in other clubs. I personally feel that maybe if I had joined a sorority, I wouldn’t have had felt the need to put myself out there as much because I would have met a great group of people in the one organization. I know a lot of people who found friends through sororities and I know a lot of people who found friends through other really great organizations as well.
HC: Are you happy you looked into it?
CC: Yes! I feel like if I hadn’t looked into Greek life, I would actually have regrets because I didn’t try it out.
HC: Any advice?
CC: Definitely look into Greek life. Actually, look into everything on campus in general. You’re going to find the place that fits best for you.
If you’re not sure about which sorority you want to join, remember that the best way to figure it out is to attend events for all three sororities. A sorority is not just an organization that you just join for your undergraduate years. It’s a lifetime of memories, opportunities, and sisterhood so it’s good to have a strong idea of what you’re looking for in a sorority. If you decide not to go through with recruitment, you’re sure to find your place at Brandeis regardless. Good luck!
Check out our websites and join the Recruitment Facebook Pages for more details!
SDT: https://www.facebook.com/groups/102751179638/ http://www.sigmadeltataubrandeis.com
KBG: https://www.facebook.com/groups/507027472646572/ http://kappabetagammabrandeis.com
DPhiE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/331176973664671/ http://brandeisdphie.dphieconnect.org