When I first joined my sorority in the fall of 2015, I was afraid that people would think of me differently. There is always that one person in a group of people who thinks that every sorority girl is the same stereotypical, half-witted girl who does nothing but party and chase after boys. I didn’t want anybody to think this was true of me, especially once I began to see that even I had misconceptions about sorority life myself. After a few weeks of being a member, I knew that I was beginning to change because of my organization, and the changes I faced were for the better.
1. I’ve made close friendships since joining that I would never have before.
When I first joined my sorority, I never realized that the 30-something strangers who joined along with me would become my sisters in such a short time. We all have different personalities, talents, and opinions, but yet we still all find ways to bond with one another.
2. My grades have greatly improved.
With academics highly stressed within our organization, it is hard not to improve your grades. My sisters and I have become a support system for one another when it comes to classes we struggle with. Every day in the library, we spend hours studying and doing homework, and our grades definitely reflect this hard work.
3. Time management has become more important to me.
I am incredibly grateful for this. Before joining my sorority, I was terrible at keeping track of my duties and deadlines. I would wait to the last minute to do something and buckle under the pressure of trying to finish on time, but now I have so many responsibilities that I would drown if I didn't manage my time properly and be prepared in advance.
4. I understand the meaning of teamwork.
With added these added responsibilities on top of school and life in general, I have learned what it means to truly rely on the people around you for help when you need it. Joining a sorority means automatically getting a group of supporters, fans, and helpers who are always there for you.
5. My horizons have been broadened.
I have learned so many new things and have been introduced to a plethora of great people and places because of my sisters. The amount of networking and connections that come with being in a sorority open the doors for so many opportunities.
6. “Bored” is no longer a word in my vocabulary.
Each week there are so many things to do that my planner is filled to the brim. Some people think being busy is stressful, but I am thankful for it. I love that I have events and meetings to go to every week. And even on those rare occasions that I am free, I know I can write in our group chat and ask if anyone wants to grab food or go shopping and at least one of my sisters will be up for it.
7. My professionalism has vastly increased.
A major part of being a part of any organization is knowing that you're always in the spotlight as a group. Every one of your actions reflects back on your organization — and as we say in Greek life, you are always wearing your letters. I have become more respectful of myself and others, and have learned how to act in a more professional manner. Even my e-mails have started sounding more adult like.
8. I have learned the value of communication.
E-mails, e-mails, e-mails. It seems like every day, I get at least 10 from my sisters to keep us updated on what’s going on. Without being in constant contact, we would fall apart. But this is a valuable skill that I will take with me for the rest of my life.
9. Trying new things is no longer as frightening.
Because we have such a vast array of girls in our sorority, we have all encouraged one another to try something new at one point or another. My sisters have helped me come out of my shell, which has led me to be more confident in myself.
10. I am not afraid to express myself.
With this new found confidence, I have become more firm in my beliefs. I know my opinions and ideas have value, so it is important to me to speak up whenever I have something to offer.
11. I have gotten better at crafting.
This is actually a very stereotypical trait of every sorority girl out there — being a master crafter — but it is surprisingly very true. I never knew I was even semi-decent at art until I joined a sorority, and now I want to cover everything in glitter and draw monograms all over everything I own.
12. My closet has increased by nearly 50 times the amount it was before.
With almost four dozen sisters, I am never at a loss for outfits. Sharing our clothes with one another is just another part of our sisterhood. If I need a piece of clothing for something, odds are at least one of my sisters has it.
13. Getting involved on campus and in the community is easier than ever.
There seems to always be an opportunity for service or to support other Greek life organizations. I have met so many new people in other organizations, and I have been able to give back to the community on multiple different occasions.
14. I know the joy of being a part of something bigger than myself.
I’m proud of what my sorority stands for and what we do as an organization, nationally and locally. It is humbling to know that my sisters and I can have a positive impact on our world. For every ounce of positivity that being a part of a sorority has had on my life, I hope I can give that back to society in return.
