Attending college can be a daunting task, especially if you are far away from home. You are on your own in a new city, and you know no one. For those who make friends easily, it seems like no problem at all, but for those who are a little more timid, at first, it can be difficult to connect with the campus. You attend the campus organization fair and look at the clubs that are offered at your university. I will be forever thankful that the Greek table is what sparked my interest. At first, being in a sorority was not part of my college plan. I was never truly interested in them, and it didn't seem like thing for me. I was naive and believed the negative stigmas of Greek life, but I was instantly proved wrong. Joining a sorority has bettered my college experience, and changed me forever. These are 10 things that happen when you go Greek.
1. My college pride has grown!
Being a part of a sorority instantly connected me to my college on a deeper level. I was able to find a home away from home. Walking around such a large campus as a young freshman you can easily be swallowed up in it all. With my sisters, I saw a friendly face on every corner, in every building, and even my classrooms.
2. My grades were affected, positively.
Joining an organization with a large time commitment like a sorority worried me at first. Academics are important to me and are the main reason I am in college in the first place, so the last thing I wanted was to let them slip below my standards. Becoming a member of a sorority did affect my grades, but not in the way I expected. My GPA actually went up being in a sorority. Academics are a huge part of Greek life, and are important to every member. We have study nights, mandatory study hours, and there is ALWAYS, (and I mean always) a sister in the library.
3. Volunteering.
Giving back to the community we live in is a huge part of Greek life. It's one of our main pillars in which we stand by: labor. I've been exposed to so many wonderful opportunities to make a difference on my campus and in my city. I have been able to volunteer at 5k runs, hunger task forces and community clean ups. Each one has been an amazing experience with my sisters.
4. I get to share this amazing experience with my family too.
This is not just my journey, my family gets to join me too. It has been so great sharing this part of me with my family. Greek life welcomes us and our families in so many ways. I've been able to share parts of my sorority with my entire family.
5. I'm a part of something bigger than me.
Knowing that I have hundreds of thousands of sisters spread out across the nation, and even internationally gives me an overwhelming feeling. Overwhelmed with love. It's a bizarre feeling knowing that you are just a small part of such a large organization, but I know that my small part still plays a big role.
6. Getting a big is even better than getting your bid.
I'm not joking. Your big is someone who can mold your entire greek experience. She is there for you every step of the way, helping and guiding. My big is a strong, and kind hearted woman whom I look up to immensely. She quickly became one of my best friends, and took me under her wing. This type of friendship is deeper than the others, it's special. She will know your exact thoughts and feelings before you even do because she has been in your shoes. Your big is your rock. So thank you, you have no idea how much you mean to me.
7. Getting to be a big is your chance to give back to the sorority.
Having an amazing big makes you want to do the same thing for another sister. With recruitment and all these amazing women coming through, you meet some of the most inspiring people. This could be the moment you meet your potential little. For me, I fell in love instantly... but with two. I was blessed enough to have two sisters who wanted me to be their role model in Greek life, and I couldn't wait to be that for them. My littles completed my heart in Greek life, and filled the void I didn't know was missing. They have taught me so many things, and I hope I have done the same for them.
8. I've made amazing memories.
I don't think I have ever smiled, laughed and cried as much as I have with anyone besides my sisters. Having them in my life has made my life whole. There are so many memories I will hold close and treasure long after my college career is over.
9. I've met some of my best friends through Greek life.
Thinking about what would've happened if I never rushed my sorority I probably would have never met some of the people I did. Thinking about college without them is nearly impossible. Some of latest nights have been spent with the individuals I met through Greek life. These are the people who will one day be at my wedding, and even in my wedding party.
10. I have been blessed with hundreds of sisters.
I have made friends for life, and memories that will last me a lifetime. Greek life has given me so many amazing opportunities and lessons learned, but what I am thankful for the most is my sisters. My life is forever changed for the better thanks to my sorority.
To anyone considering going Greek, I would 10/10 recommend it. Treasure every second of it because soon it will all be over.
