Let’s be honest for a second, when most people think of sororities they think of parties, friendships and overly-excited girls blowing glitter out of their palms. Joining Greek life, I was only expecting these things and not much more. After joining my organization, Alpha Chi Omega, I learned there is so much more to a sorority than the average person thinks. We especially show this in the five main criteria that every member of Alpha Chi Omega holds close to her heart and are now instilled in us. I believe that these main focuses have shaped me, and are still continuing to shape me, into the real strong woman I am and here are five reasons why.
1. Personal development.
Alpha Chi Omega makes me strive to be a better version of myself everyday. I believe personal development means that you allow yourself to make mistakes and be imperfect - as long as you assess what you could improve and grow from experiences. My sorority has allowed me to set positive goals for myself, whether it be in my schoolwork, in the chapter or in my friendships. From each of these experiences, and making a few errors along the way, I have grown into a more caring and hardworking individual.
2. Financial responsibility.
Let’s be real, as college students we are spending money left and right. Sometimes we stress about it, other times it doesn’t seem like a big deal to drop $15 on a pizza at midnight - am I right? Alpha Chi Omega stresses that its members have a budget plan. They also have someone to talk to if members are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed financially. While to some sisters paying dues on their own may seem like an annoying task, I feel as though we are actually gaining valuable experience from doing so. My sorority’s financial support system is something that I will be forever grateful for - especially when jumping straight into the real world in a short few years.
3. Leadership ability.
Regardless of the career field you are heading into, employers constantly seek leaders for their company, brand or school. Alpha Chi Omega stresses leadership and gives its members opportunities to get involved. There are so many ways to become involved in the chapter, like running for a chair position or joining the executive board. Campus involvement is also highly encouraged. Being a leader helps build confidence and character, which helps build personal development. See where I am going with this?
4. Academic interest.
More important than being Greek life members, we are college students. College is super fun, but also extremely stressful and involves a great deal of work. I know my Alpha Chi Omega sisters always have my back. I cannot tell you how nice it is to be apart of an organization that understands social conflicts with school. Not only this, but my sorority also sets up study tables and has a GPA requirement we must meet in order to remain in good standing with the chapter. And let's say you are struggling with a specific class. Just post "Help!" on the chapter Facebook page and I guarantee an older sister will help you ace that class.
5. Character.
A person’s character speaks volumes, so being apart of an organization whose main priority is promoting positive character means a lot to me personally. Not only does this highly reflect yourself and your sisters, but it has also taught me how to be the best person I can be. It has taught me to be the best version of myself in every situation in which I meet new people. Plus, what boy wouldn’t want to be around a girl who’s extremely real and down to earth?
Thank you Alpha Chi Omega. I will always be grateful to be apart of something much bigger than myself and carry these lessons through not only the rest of my college experience, but also through the rest of my life.
