Congratulations, you're in college! You're officially an adult, doing your own independent, adult things. You even joined a sorority and now you learn about your organization's history, get your pin and go on retreats, all while completing service hours and making friendships.
But wait...this all seems eerily familiar...
Surprise! You've basically joined collegiate Girl Scouts.
1. Leadership
Girl Scouts promotes leadership development in young girls, while sororities encourage leadership in collegiate women. We no longer get patches for our accomplishments, but plaques are cool too.
2. Famous Alumnae
As national organizations, both Girl Scouts and sorority chapters have many famous alumnae.
3. Promise/Pledge/Purpose/Creed
Before the three-finger, Mockingjay salute from "The Hunger Games," there was the Girl Scout Promise.
As sorority members, we recite our organization's pledge, purpose, or creed.
4. History
Whether you're a part of Girl Scouts, or a sorority, you are joining the group of women who came before you. Both Girl Scouts and sororities have a rich history. We also really like banners.
5. Pins/Patches
When Girl Scouts move up from Daisies to Brownies, or from Brownies to Juniors, they receive a pin. This is similar to sorority pledging. In a sorority, you transition from a new member with a pledge pin, to an active member, and receive a badge once you are initiated.
6. Service/Philanthropy
Service and philanthropy are integral to Girl Scouts and sorority life. Often, the organizations are working toward the same cause.
7. Camp/Retreats
Girl Scout camp was the best. We rode horses, kayaked and hiked, but the best part was definitely the s'mores!
After a full day of bonding exercises and discussions, Greek Life retreats also always end in s'mores.
8. Crafting
While Girl Scout crafts usually accompanied some sort of lesson, they were always fun and allowed Scouts to show their creative side.
Good thing some of us had all that practice in Girl Scouts, because we were definitely prepared for Big/Little crafting, poster-making, and everything in between.
9. Building Confidence
Girl Scouts builds "courage, confidence, and character."
Sororities do the same. For example, Tri Delta's BodyImage3D program promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
10. Friendship
Girl Scouts teaches the importance of friendship.
Sororities are founded on sisterhood.
11. Bake Sales
It wouldn't be Girl Scouts without Girl Scout cookies!
At LMU Tri Delta's Delta Desserts, we like to think that we're continuing the tradition.
You may be repeating a portion of your childhood as a member of a sorority, but just like Girl Scouts helped you become who you are today, sorority life will help shape who you become in the future.