Here we are, almost mid-August and I am sure you have seen all the sorority girls you know posting pictures saying, "Go Greek!" as they are laughing with their sisters. I am also sure that most of you have the idea that sororities are the stereotypical movie style with pillow fights and raging frat parties. Well, if you are the person to think this, you are sadly mistaken. I have been wanting to write about my chapter, Alpha Xi Delta, for awhile now. After reading a previous article today I decided now is the time. So, when I was moving to Toledo last fall I had no intentions of Going Greek. My older sister had been in a sorority and my best friend was also going through recruitment so naturally, I signed up the day before. I was super scared for recruitment. What if I didn't get a bid? What if they think I'm weird? So instead of wasting that fear I bit the bullet and made one of the best decisions I could have so far in college. Therefore, here are my reasons for Going Greek.
1. I Knew I Had A Place.
Almost all of the Chapters at UT have 80 some members. Going through the process I kept thinking that no matter what, there will be sisters with the same interests as I have. You like to Netflix and eat snacks all day? There's a sister for that. You like to go out? There's a sister for that. You like to watch "Harry Potter" on repeat all day (Shoutout to my Big and half the Chapter)? There's a sister for that. I think you get my point that these sorority women have normal interests like everyone else. No, not all are super skinny and blonde. But that is the beauty of being a part of these amazing organizations. We are all different in but come together in the Panhellenic community.
2. College Is A Fresh Start.
From personal experience, I came to Toledo knowing roughly ten people including my roommate. Toledo has about 22,000 students so in the grander scheme of things I was alone. Joining a sorority gave me a sense of home. I knew that I would have a support system behind me when life got tough. For example, around December my grandpa was very ill. If it wasn't for the love my sisters gave me I would have been a wreck through that time. (P.S He pulled through, Praise.) Taking a step outside of my house, I have met some incredible people in the other fraternities and sororities.
3. I Would Be Busy.
Yes, my planner is jam packed and the actual school work has yet to start, I need that structure, as most people do. I am taking 17 credit hours, working, I am also an active member of Alpha Xi Delta, and I am involved in another organization on campus called Snow Pile. Did I mention that I am paying rent and my sorority bill? I have always had something to do throughout high school as I was an athlete and a job holder (I now hate Jimmy Johns.) I like to know all of the things I have to accomplish in a day and it keeps me grounded, organized and determined.
4. The Connections.
Recent studies have shown that members of fraternities and sororities are thriving in the workplace. These men and woman are engaged and have a network of people that can assist them with questions. Even smaller than that, maybe the woman that hired you at the UT Rec Center is an Alumna of your chapter? Plus, not gonna lie, it's pretty damn cool to go to the mall back home and see my Greek letters on the back of someone's car that may hire you one day.
5. The Memories.
Last but not least, I did not want to spend my college career gliding through. I want to make friends. I want to be outgoing. I want to know that I didn't just pay money to go to school. I want to be present an active participant at my University. Greek life is not the only way to do so, however, it was the right outlet for me. I have met some wonderful people and I can even say some woman I want standing next to me at my wedding.
I am well aware that joining a sorority is not for everyone. With recruitment quickly approaching, here are some positive reasons for joining after you have heard the negative. I never thought of myself as one either, but I guess college really is all about finding who you are. I also wish that those of you who do not choose to join one understand that we are not like the movies. We are compiled of amazing women of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities. We share the same values that happen to be represented by the Greek letters we proudly wear.
