When you think of a Sorority or a Fraternity, common stereotypes come to mind: partying, drinking, and gross Frat houses. The real question remains, “how much do we really know about this lifestyle?” Did you know that instead of partying, one Phi Sigma Sigma sister raised $12,771 to donate to school readiness for kids? Also, each summer Delta Zeta sorority hosts a summer camp for Cancer patients to receive treatment, and have fun! Contrary to popular belief, “Greeks” devote their time to their campus, their sisters/brothers, and their community.
Each semester we think about how much textbooks will cost, how we will balance our schedules and how to get to each building on time. Yet, as we run from classroom to classroom, we realize that University life is full of trials and becomes your home away from home. The good news is, your new home can give you a brand new family. Greek life is built on a community of likeminded individuals that choose to come together and make a difference. From donating to fundraising, your local Greek chapters are working toward bettering the community at large. As you read this article you’re probably wondering, “How does this apply to me?” Joining a Greek organization can benefit your life in many ways, especially if you’re a new student looking to find their place. As I began my journey with Phi Sigma Sigma, my life changed for the better. I came to the University not knowing who I was, where I could go or where I fit in. From the moment I was immersed into Greek life, I fell in love. No one shook my hand when they met me, instead, they treated me as though I was a friend they hadn’t seen in ages. Being a Sorority sister has given me the confidence to be a more involved individual, and do what I love (like being a Her Campus writer/contributor)!
Sororities aren’t all secrets, pins and t-shirts,; they’re dedication and commitment. Our ranks are made up of aspiring lawyers, scientists and doctors, the likes of which you’ve never seen. We are not party girls that buy more alcohol than textbooks, we are intelligent, independent women that work to give back what was given to us; faith, support and strength. Our chapters are internationally recognized societies, based on a structural system made up of executive positions to create a functioning organization. Locally, we are lucky enough to have chapters from Delta Zeta, Phi Sigma Sigma and Delta Alpha Theta; in which each sister is an amazingly diverse and , thoughtful individual capable of conquering any challenge. The letters that are embroidered across our chests may mean delinquent to some, but to us, it means family. Emily Buschman and Kiera Royle, two sisters from our local sororities, recently interviewed with me and represented their letters and their sisterhood.
KIERA ROYLE: Delta Zeta
What is your major and what made you get into it?
My major is Social Work &and Women’s Studies with a minor in Political Science. I decided to get into social work after a long battle with PTSD. My women’s studies major and political science minor was to help me work internationally in the future.
I understand that you’re a member of Delta Zeta, a Panhellenic sorority on Campus! How do you think DZ has helped you regarding your goals and aspirations
DZ has given me so many opportunities to grow as a leader through committees and volunteer experience. It’s also so inspiring to be around a group of ambitious ladies that motivate you to pursue your goals!
There are a lot of preconceived notions about sorority women, mostly that they’re very socially oriented rather than academically. What do you have to say to that statement?
I would say that’s completely false. Delta Zeta has helped me improved my grades through study buddies and impromptu study groups with sisters. We all motivate each other to be extremely successful academically!
For the readers who may not know what Panhellenic means, would you care to explain?
Panhellenic is a whole umbrella of national sororities. At the University, our Panhellenic councilcounsel is made up of Delta Zeta and Phi Sigma Sigma. We work together to improve Greek life on campus, and to make sorority recruitment a fun experience for girls rushing!
You mentioned Phi Sigma Sigma, the other Panhellenic sorority on campus. How do you feel about the commonly accepted notion that sororities often don’t get along and sabotage each other?
I think that’s false. I have a lot of love for my Panhellenic sisters and I’m excited when they do awesome things in the community. We really help each other out and connect through PanhelPanhell.
Any final thoughts for anyone who may be considering Panhellenic Recruitment?
Go for it! Rushing was the best decision I’ve made in my university career so far. You get so many great opportunities to learn and grow through Greek Life, and you make lifelong bonds with people you otherwise wouldn’t have met.
EMILY BUSCHMAN: Phi Sigma Sigma
What is your major and what made you get into it?
My major is Child Psychology. I want to become a teacher when I’m done, specifically with younger children, so I thought child psychology would give me a really good advantage in working with young kids. I’m also getting my minor in English Language and Literature.
I understand that you’re a member of Phi Sigma Sigma, a Panhellenic sorority on Campus! How do you think Phi Sig has helped you regarding your goals and aspirations?
The list on how Phi Sig has helped me is really endless, but the main thing would be how the support from my sisters has encouraged me to push farther in my academics. Having the support helps with the stress from school, and work, and my GPA has gone up since joining. It’s also taught me time management so I really know how to apply myself to succeed There are a lot of preconceived notions about sorority women, mostly that they’re very socially oriented rather than academically. What do you have to say to that statement?
I’d have to say that the people who take the time to listen to gossip like that must not have done their research. If they had, they would know that greek women have the highest GPAs.
For the readers who may not know what Panhellenic means, would you care to explain?
Panhellenic refers to a group of women who work together to promote each other in the best possible light while working together to grown their own chapters. It’s a community of greek women who aren’t in it for superficial reasons, but who want to better themselves through a group of ladies who want to do the same. Our values encompass things that better ourselves as well as the world around us.
Under the Umbrella of Panhellenic includes Delta Zeta, another international sorority on campus. How do you feel about the commonly accepted notion that sororities often don’t get along and sabotage each other?
I’d say that people really shouldn’t assume until they’ve experienced. Just last Friday Delta Zeta and Phi Sigma Sigma held a joint games night where we laughed and spent time together as Panhellenic sisters. Sabotaging each other just isn’t something we’re interested in doing. When you become a Greek woman, you are agreeing to the standards of behaviour as well as the advancement of womanhood. Sabotaging one another would be the opposite of that. We work to build each other up and we have been very successful at it.
Any final thoughts for anyone who may be considering Panhellenic Recruitment?
For those considering Panhellenic recruitment, remember that it’s not a competition. Nobody is judging you or competing against you. We genuinely want to get to know you for who you are and embrace YOU. We do not try to change or mould you into stereotypical figures as seen in media, and I promise you that once you join, you will have a second family and support for the rest of your life. Not only that but the opportunities and connections you make through your sisters will really help you go places.
Special thanks to my amazing Panhellenic sister Kiera Royle of Delta Zeta and my beautiful sister Emily Buschman of Phi Sigma Sigma for taking time to interview with me! Whether you’re embarking on your first year in University, or creeping up to your third, I challenge you. I challenge you to change your perception of Greek life and find your forever home. If you’re looking to give back to your campus and your community, get involved and accept my challenge. I’ll see you at the next study group!