When classes start at semester-based universities, my For You Page floods with videos of sorority girls dancing during work week, all dressed up in coordinated outfits. They’re getting ready for recruitment — participating in one of the traditions that makes Greek life so recognizable. The comments underneath the videos seem to fall into two camps: other sorority girls expressing excitement about specific themes, or strangers calling them basic, shallow, sheepish, rich spoiled girls who pay for their friends.
Sororities seem like a punching bag for frustrated people on the internet. Some of these criticisms might be valid, and experiences with Greek life can vary throughout the country. However, I think it’s important to criticize those dishing out the criticism: Why are these stereotypes applied so readily to an entire group of women? And why don’t we give sorority girls credit for all of the great things they have going for them?
When I first rushed, I was extremely uncertain. Like everyone else, I had been exposed to all the negative content regarding sororities. Throughout formal recruitment, I realized how composed sorority members had to be during the long days they spent talking to potential new members and how great they were at maintaining conversations. When I finally decided to join a sorority through COB (continuous open bidding) during winter quarter, it was these alleged “shallow” girls who helped me out of slumps, thoughtfully invited me to everything, and became some of the closest friends I’ve met in college so far. Personally, they have not only been great friends but also helped me find clubs to join, gigs to earn money, and mentors for career building.
The friendships I’ve developed aren’t something that come from paying dues. What you put into a sorority, you get out of it. All the girls I’ve met are the most involved and dedicated individuals that I know. They are able to balance chapter responsibilities with other extracurriculars and academics while also making time to have fun, participate in community service, and stay passionate about the things they do. Being surrounded by these people has helped me to stay motivated and on track, too. Through recruitment, I’ve also learned how to introduce myself confidently, get better at small talk by asking thoughtful questions, and remember meaningful details about people.Â
Although some criticisms of Greek life may bear some weight or raise valid concerns, this hasn’t been the case for me at all. For me, being in a sorority has shown me that femininity isn’t something that cancels out being ambitious and driven. Although networking is celebrated in professional settings, women are criticized for finding these same connections and interpersonal skills through Greek life — and I think it’s worth questioning these stereotypes rather than automatically putting down women in sororities.