I knew from the first time that I saw the movie Legally Blonde, starring Reese Witherspoon, that I wanted to be in a sorority. When I started applying to college my senior year of high school, I made sure to apply to colleges that were not only good for what I wanted to study, but also had Greek life. Growing up, it was just me and my little brother and my mom and dad. I did not have a very big family or many siblings at all. I knew that I wanted to be a part of an organization with like-minded women who would always be there for me. I can very much say that I have found my place and I could not be any happier.
In high school, I can say that I had a lot of friends, and I knew a lot of people. I was always hanging out with different groups and going with the general flow of things over the years. But then, when I moved to college, it was like my whole world came to a halt, and I was having to learn how to do things all on my own for the first time. Moving to college was very hard for me, and I felt like I had no friends and knew no one. With a campus consisting of over 40,000 people, I was overwhelmed with anxiety that I was just another person. Joining a sorority turned 40,000 people into 250 people who I can say are friends and sisters. I started to feel like myself again and started to build strong and meaningful friendships with people who I would have never met otherwise.
Everyone is always saying how they don’t think Greek life is for them. I can understand why some people would associate Greek life with partying all the time. Hollywood portrays Greek life to be a negative organization that uplifts hazing and alcohol. However, Greek life has helped me not only with meeting people but with becoming more organized than before. There are constantly different things going on at the house, such as chapter, philanthropy events, workshops, meals, bible study and watch parties. With all of these events, it can sound impossible to keep up with school, fitness and other clubs. I find that because I want to be involved with my chapter and make an impact, that I have been able to make myself a schedule and plan my days accordingly to be the most productive with my time. Time blocking and organizing is something I find to be a very important thing in my life, and other people should value it too. I can easily say that if not for being in a sorority, I don’t know if I would have picked this trait up so soon in life.
Like I said before, Greek life to an outsider looks like a bunch of snobby girls who party all the time. But what people don’t realize is that certain guidelines go with being a member of a sorority. These guidelines include a minimum GPA requirement, social media guidelines, philanthropy event participation, community service and even participation in other clubs on campus. It can all seem very overwhelming at times, but I promise it’s not. Having sisters and friends that support you to do the best in school, in the community and on campus serves as constant motivation. Just like you’re trying to be your best self, your sisters are trying to be their best selves too. Going to different events and workshops seems less of a requirement and more of a party. Being with all of your best friends and raising money for a cause takes away the idea of going to something because it’s a requirement.
I understand that Greek life is not for everyone. Not every girl has the dream of being in a sorority and having a “glamourous” life. But In all honesty, joining a sorority was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. No matter what day of the week, what time of day or night, how I am feeling or what I am doing, I know that I have gained a constant support system around me. I have made some of my best friends already and I cannot wait for what the future holds for me. That being said, if you are going back and forth with the idea of rushing, I would say JUST DO IT! Who knows what the outcome will be or what the future has in store for you!
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