v. Pledg•ing
v.tr.
1. To offer or guarantee by a solemn binding promise
4. a. To promise to join (a fraternity or similar organization)
So, you’re thinking about pledging a sorority. Your friend took you to an awesome party last night that one of the sororities was hosting and you absolutely loved the sisters. You want a bid so badly you can taste it. Before signing on the dotted line though, take a step back and think about the Pros and Cons of joining a Greek Organization.
Pros:
Sisterhood
One of the biggest draws to Greek Life is the concept of sisterhood. For those with siblings and only children alike, the idea of having a group of women who will be with you for four years, and even longer. These women have all gone through the same process that the current pledges are going through, and to many that thought is comforting. Traditions and sorority secrets create a sense of community and unity between you and your sisters.
Networking
Once you graduate the idea of sisterhood doesn’t evaporate. The connections you can make through the alumni network of you sorority, and if you are pledging a national sorority the alumni network of other Chapters as well as your own, may prove to be invaluable. There is even some evidence to show that some companies like to see that you are a member of a Greek Organization on your resume. It shows that you have not only done philanthropic work, but can also wok well as part of a large group.
Community Service
Community service is a HUGE part of a sorority’s makeup. National and local sororities alike fundraise, sometimes raising large sums of money for charities and national organizations. Doing community service is a great resume booster and it also personally rewarding. It is a bonding experience for you and your sisters and you are raising money for a good cause!
Belonging
This point is similar to the concept of sisterhood. For those who find it hard to fit in on campus, joining a sorority may be a good way for you to not only find a close knit group of friends, but find a place to belong! You go through the same experiences as your pledge sisters and that creates a strong bond and your sisters will protect you and love you! You share the same history and want the best future for your sorority and your new members.
GPA
Many sororities have minimum GPA requirements, which forces pledges and inducted sisters to keep up their GPA’s. Pledges also have to attend required library hours every week, which is a great place to get some studying in. Your schooling should always come first, even before your sorority, but your sisters will push you and support you to always be your best in the classroom.
Cons:
Cost
One of the main drawbacks for entraining into Greek Life is the cost. Dues are required to be paid every semester and sometimes they can be pretty steep. Some sororities have enacted payment plans to ease the financial burden on their sisters, but the funds have to be given to the sorority either way. There will also be other costs that you may not even think of. Hoodies, tee-shirts and apparel are costs that will be paid for. Gifts for your sisters can add up pretty fast when there are more than 10 girls. If you are already having financial troubles or are looking to save some cash, you definitely want to do your research before you jump head first into a sorority.
Time Commitment
Time is another thing that many people don’t realize that is drained once you start pledging. When you are pledging there are mandatory weekly meetings, mixers and socials that you are required to attend. Many times there are events every night that can keep you out pretty late. That doesn’t look to appealing when you have an 8 a.m. class, does it? Once you are in the sorority there will still be meetings and events that you have to attend. Just remember to ask yourself how much time you are willing to give up each week, before you get in over your head.
Hazing
Though hazing has been severely cut down upon over the last few years, there are still some cases of it occurring. Some “traditions” that you may have to go through may make you feel uncomfortable, or out of your element. It’s all about what you are willing to do, and how much is too much for you. You should never feel degraded or looked down upon, not even for sisterhood. There may be a mentality “Well my sisters went through it, so I have to as well, right?” and some people do think this, but what are you willing to put up with. If you know someone who is in the process of pledging or if you are in the process and you encounter hazing you can always call 1-888-NOT-HAZE 1-888-NOT-HAZE, 1-888-NOT-HAZEthe national toll-free anti-hazing hotline.
Difficulty Socializing Outside of Greek Life
Some people have said that once they are in Greek Life they find it hard to connect with their friends outside of the organization. This doesn’t happen to everyone, some people are really good at juggling and keeping in touch with their non-Greek friends. But Greek Life tends to be all consuming, and it’s another thing that should be thought about before joining. It’s a big change in your life and it becomes very important. After you are inducted you may think that your friends who aren’t Greek don’t understand the ideals of sisterhood that you now share and that’s ok; people change. But ask yourself, “How much am I willing to give up for what I will gain?”
Tips:
If you still know that being in a sorority is the right thing for you, that is great! Here are some tips for you as you get started:
The Fit Should Be Natural
You should never have to force yourself to like one particular sorority. These girls are going to be your sisters and you want to feel as comfortable as possible around them. If some place isn’t clicking for you, don’t panic! It’s OK. There are other sororities out there, one that will be just what you are looking for. During Rush Week, be sure to go to as many sorority mixers as you can to see what the best fit is for you.
Do Your Research
Before you sign your bid, be sure you have done some research on the sorority. Go to a few socials and get to know the sisters. Google the sorority and see what their history is, what their charity is, who their founders were. Even see if they have a Facebook page, or a Twitter account, that way you can see pictures and read status about what the organization is doing around campus and in the community.
Get to Know Your Pledge Sisters and the Sisters
Getting to know your pledge sisters is key. These are the girls you will be planning parties with, going to socials with, and just hanging out with for the weeks while you are pledging, and you will form an unbreakable bond with them. They will go through the same things that you are, and you will be there to comfort one another and cheer each other on! The sisters in your sorority know what’s up, they’ve been where you are, and though they may not be your favorite people during pledging, they will be your sisters once you are inducted, so knowing who they are is key.
Your Big is Your Life Line
Your Big is your idol. She is the one who will be your guide through pledging and beyond. You can do no wrong to her and she will love you unconditionally. Her job is to help you through your pledge process by being a sister, a friend, and a mentor. Ask her questions, pick her brain, and for Pete’s sake keep her number in your phone. You will be texting her more than your own mother for the time you are pledging!
You Won’t Like Everyone, but That’s OK
It is a fact of life that you won’t like everyone you meet and not everyone will want to be your best friend either. The same thing can be applied to your sisters. But it’s OK! You will form deep rooted connections with some of the girls and others you will know by name and face and wave to on the quad, but you won’t be painting each other’s nails and gossiping about that cute boy in Chem class. It’s perfectly natural to not want to be best friends with everyone you meet in your sorority; but they are your sisters and you do have to respect them and your commitment to the sorority, which they are part of.
It’s OK to De-Pledge
This one can be kind of controversial. Some people thing de-pledging is the absolute worst thing you can do; others find it to be no big deal. It depends on the person, it depends on the sorority. Some sororities will just let you go, others will try to make the pledge process easier and others will make de-pledging a big deal, like you are letting down the entire history of the sorority. But it is YOUR decision and no one can make it for you. It is a big decision to quit something and you should always think it through first. But if you are struggling in class from staying out late, if you are really sick, or if you are just not feeling it, then you do have the option to quit. You can still find friends on campus, you can still go out to other events, and you can still have an epic college experience! Pledging and de-pledging isn’t the be all and end all of college, it’s just one chapter in the book!
If you still know pledging is the right thing for you, then go for it! It could be the best time of your life and you can meet some wonderful people who may be your friends forever. And if you have decided that maybe you got caught up in the moment and pledging isn’t for you, that is all right, too. There are tons of other things you can get involved in on campus. Join a club or a team, take up a new hobby, or just keep going down the path you are. There is no wrong answer here! Being Greek or Non-Greek is just one part of college and college is all about what you make it. Andrew Shue once said, “Life is the most exciting opportunity we have. But we have one shot. You graduate from college once, and that’s it. You’re going out of that nest. And you have to find that courage that’s deep, deep, deep in there. Every step of the way.” So dig deep, find your courage and take a leap!
Good Luck!