Most college students leave high school in hopes that people will stop judging one another and the catty girl fights will end; however, this is not the case, especially when it comes time to criticize those involved in the Greek community.
When a group of girls comes together, it is inevitable that some sort of stereotype will form. For those that are part of Greek life, the list seems never ending. These sorority women have been called materialistic, obnoxious, easy, dimwitted, and superficial.
“I think where there is smoke there is fire,” Michelle Ferrare, junior government politics major in Zeta Tau Alpha said. “There are undoubtedly people who fit into given stereotypes of any kind. That is why they are perpetuated. But I would like to believe that I and the people I choose to associate with are intelligent, rational women who do not fit into these stereotypes.” (Photo credit to ZTA’s recruitment website.)
In 1994, a document titled Greek Life: A Foundation for the Future was introduced at the University of Maryland. Known as the “Vision” today, this document sets forth minimum standards and expectations for all fraternities and sororities to be recognized here on campus.
One of the most important aspects to Greek life is academics. In order to rush, students must have 12 college credits and a minimum GPA of 2.5, although many sororities set the bar much higher. According to the University of Maryland Panhellenic Association, which is the governing council of the female chapters on campus, sorority women at the University of Maryland have a higher average GPA than non-Greek women. In fact, according to www.marylandpha.com, many sorority members have earned a 4.0.
The networking possibilities are endless within the Greek community. A perpetual sisterhood is formed between women not only in your graduating class, but the classes to graduate before and after you. Relationships with chapter alumni also help with resume building and the procurement of future jobs.
“Joining a sorority has given a sense of belonging and has given me the opportunity to meet the most incredible, driven, and generous people who I may not have otherwise met,” Haley Forman, sophomore business major in Delta Delta Delta, said. “Every girl contributes to the dynamic in the house. Tri Delta has been only a positive influence in my life by motivating me to perform to my fullest extent.”
Stacey Skulnik, sophomore business major of Phi Sigma Sigma, believes that sororities are perceived as obnoxious because “It classifies groups of girls and creates an artificial hierarchy,” Skulnik said. “These stereotypes started in movies and unless you’re involved in Greek life it’s hard to see other positive aspects.”
The “Vision” also requires that all chapters have a philanthropy that they are connected to on a national level. The members in each chapter work together as a team in order to raise awareness and fund these organizations. “Every fall, Alpha Phi hosts a formal red dress gala and in the spring we host the Mr. Greek competition,” Rachel Stevens, Alphi Phi alumna, said. All of the proceeds go to the Alpha Phi Foundation, which supports cardiac care for women. (Photo credit to Courtney Hoyes.)
While it may be easy to poke fun of these girls, make sure you get to know them first. Some of them are truly amazing!