Why You Join A Sorority

My freshman year at UNCW is quickly coming to an end, much to my dismay. As I reflect on this incredible start to the rest of my life, I keep going back to one thing in particular: joining a sorority. By all means I never pictured myself ever joining a sorority.  I thought I was better than that because society portrays Greek life as superficial and invaluable. Boy, do they have it wrong. In one short year I have made lifelong friends, discovered wonderful opportunities and was apart of something bigger than me. I encourage anyone who is considering going through recruitment to go for it; it’s one of the best decisions I have ever made. I listed 8 of the main aspects of sorority life I have enjoyed the most.

1. Sisterhood

Sororities offer you a sense of belonging unlike any other organization. During college it can be especially hard at times to feel a sense of unity when you don’t play sports or join clubs. A sisterhood offers you a home away from home. The comforting sense of belonging has helped me integrate into college, making the student body less daunting and making it easier for me to find like-minded people.

2. Academic Support

Unlike the media portrayals of sorority life there is a huge emphasis on academics. I found sisterhood generates atmosphere conducive to studying and academic success. You don’t want to be the girl who is responsible for bringing the chapter GPA down, and it motivates you to better yourself academically. Sororities also offer support and help when you need it. Most chapters have an academic chair responsible for keep track of sister’s grade and to ensure everyone is working to the best of their abilities.

3. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Sororities, by nature, basically force you to get out of your comfort zone. You will grow and develop as a person and a sister in many ways. The people you meet, the activities you participate in, and the responsibility you take enhance your experience and communication skills.

4. Learn To Be A Leader

Sororities are organized the same way as a business with a hierarchical structure that includes a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, philanthropy coordinator, recruitment chair, etc. Working your way up to higher positions and running for offices helps you demonstrate leadership qualities. You learn valuable skills that are transferable to future internships and jobs. If you can lead over a hundred college girls, you can do about anything.

5. Philanthropy

This is something I was very excited about when joining a sorority. Each sorority has a philanthropy and charity events, which are some of the socially conscious reasons to join. There are opportunities to get involved with fundraising and to raise awareness for the causes your chapter feels passionate about. Philanthropy is one of the most rewarding aspects of sorority life because you are apart of an organization that dedicates a lot of time to helping others.

6. Social Life

Belonging to a sorority, you hardly ever have nothing to do on the weekends. Mixers, date functions, and parties are fun and exciting benefits of joining a sorority. You get to meet new people and always have sisters watching out for you. There will always be someone who is down for a night out or to just hang out and watch Netflix. Lastly, you get to be apart of Greek Week and other Greek activities, which are some of the most exciting events of the year.

7. Lifelong Friends

I’ve never had so many close friends until joining a sorority. The structure of a sorority fosters and encourages the development of lifelong friendships through common aims and shared experiences. I can honestly say I’ve met my bridesmaid; as cliché as that is, it is very true. My pledge sisters are the some of the most inspiring girls I have ever met, and I probably wouldn’t have met them if it weren’t for being in a sorority. Sororities allow you to be yourself; they let you become completely vulnerable and never feel judged or unaccepted. Even on my darkest days, I know I have a hundred plus girls that I can go to for support, and that is a pretty amazing feeling, unlike anything I’ve ever had before.      

8. Memories

After one year I already have so many amazing, funny, weird, and special memories from being apart of a sorority. From meeting my “Big Sister” to waking up with a half eaten corndog from Cookout stuck in my hair to scuba diving with one of my sisters, I’ve had unique memories I will cherish forever. I’ve made the most amazing friends this year through my sorority and Greek life in general. Never have I ever been so inspired by an organization and group of young women. I am so incredibly proud to be apart of my chapter.

• UNCW