For this week’s campus profile, I got to sit down with Nikki and Taylor from the Guelph Chapter of Delta Pi to talk about Greek life, sorority girl stereotypes, and how to balance school work with extra-curricular activities.
Taylor is a fourth year Child, Youth & Family Major, she is a founding sister, and is Chapter Vice President.
Nikki is a third year Applied Human Nutrition Major and is Chapter Secretary.
What was your rushing experience like?
Taylor: My rush experience was definitely very from most, just due to the fact that I was a founding sister. It was hard because it took place at a different university and my big was in a different city. It felt like we didn’t really have a rush and just went straight into pledging.
Nikki: During rush is really when I found my home at Guelph. I loved every event and meeting all the pledges!
What are your thoughts on hazing?
Taylor: Hazing is not a thing for Delta Pi; we simply do not stand for that. Personally, I think it is very inappropriate. I believe that if you are putting yourself in a situation where you are at risk or are forced to do something you don’t believe in just to be a part of a group of friends, you need to rethink if that’s a group of friends that you really want.
Nikki: My sister was a part of a sorority in the United States that hazed their pledges. She told me that she couldn’t stand to watch the pledges being hazed; she wanted to drop out of her sorority because she hated what it stood for.
Taylor: I think we would get more girls coming out to rush if only they knew that the media’s portrayal of rushing is nowhere close to the reality- at least for Delta Pi.
Why did you want to join a sorority?
Taylor: I just wanted to make a place in Guelph; to make it my home away from home. It’s nice to be involved in something bigger than myself. The knowledge that I have so many girls that are willing to do a fundraiser or an event with me is such a great feeling.
Nikki: I thought that it would be a good way to have some sort of connection to home. During the transition from grade 12 to first year, my lifestyle completely changed. By the time I entered second year, I didn’t like the feeling of having such a distance from home. Once I started rushing, I met so many girls that were just like me and that really helped me to finally feel at home here.
What are your opinions on the widespread “sorority girl” stereotypes?
Taylor: I think those stereotypes are really inaccurate. For instance, we put schoolwork first. If you can’t come to a sorority event, school is a legitimate excuse.
Nikki: It’s also absolutely not true that we don’t have friends outside of our sisters. We all have different groups of friends. When any of us are having drama with our other friends, we always have our sisters for support.
Taylor: We don’t party every night either! Whenever we decide to go out together, there will always be sisters who want to sit out and that’s perfectly okay! There’s definitely no pressure to drink or party. We go downtown just as much as any other group of friends in university would.
How has joining a sorority changed your life?
Taylor: I am in the library so much more! Whenever one if the sisters has a table in the library they’ll send out an open invitation for anyone to join them. I’m also texting way more because we’re always texting each other.
Nikki: When I first joined Delta Pi as a general member, I didn’t see myself as someone who would enjoy a leadership role. It was my sisters, who nominated me to become secretary, that saw my potential and really encouraged me to pursue it. I absolutely love my job and I love being involved now!
What is the most rewarding part of becoming a part of Delta Pi?
Taylor: Definitely the philanthropy aspect! My previous leadership experience was coordinating a special needs program and I’ve been able to bring parts of that to Delta Pi through our annual fundraiser for the Guelph Wish Fund. It’s definitely fulfilling to be able to do these philanthropy events.
Nikki: Seeing the positive effects of the sorority on the new members; how it can really turn a girl’s life around for the better. It’s really exciting to see when my sisters have a more positive outlook and are just happier after having joined.
It is hard to balance your sorority commitments with school, work, social life, relationships, etc.?
Taylor: We get our calendars a month in advance so you should time to plan everything out. The calendars also take into account everyone’s schedules for tests, going home, and other commitments.
Nikki: You just have to allot times for each aspect of your life. We try out best to accommodate everyone’s needs so everyone can enjoy the events.
Would you recommend joining a sorority?
Taylor: Yes, absolutely. Everything is better in a sorority: academics, social life, belonging, and mental health.
Nikki: Yes! It’s such a great support system!
What is the worst part of sorority life?
Taylor: That you are considered a “sorority girl”. I don’t like to be thought of as a stereotypical sorority girl, I want to be thought of as the sorority girl I am.
Nikki: Everyone gets the stereotypes from the movies and the media and we’re not those typical girls. I definitely agree that it’s the one downside.