When I was a freshman, I thought sororities were for girls that just wanted to get into trouble and flaunt their privilege. Then, as a sophomore, I joined a colonizing chapter and realized that sororities were a place for women that wanted to better themselves and their communities. Greek life gives highly motivated women a place to find shelter and comfort while also being pushed to be better and do better. I am so glad I joined a sorority as an upperclassman; it's the best decision I've made since I came to college. Here's why you should consider joining a sorority as an upperclassman.
1) You Know Who You Are
We all secretly hope to "find ourselves" in college. As cliché as it sounds, all of my friends now know themselves better than they did when they were first moving into the dorms. When you know yourself better, you can make better decisions about what's important to you and who you should keep around in your life. This is perfect when it comes to picking a sorority! Not only will you be able to pick the best fit for who you've become, but you also know that you won't feel pressure to conform. You are already who you want to be; no stupid stereotype is going to change that.
2) You Understand Your Schedule
You're beyond signing up for 50 different clubs just because they sound like something you may be interested in. You know how much time you have to commit to something and how to say no. The great thing about sororities is that there's a lot of flexibility to your involvement. Beyond chapter once a week, most things are optional. The best part is that these optional events are a fun way to relax while also spending time with the women that have your back when you're too stressed out to even wash your hair.
3) You're Prepared for Leadership
Sororities are brimming with leadership opportunities -- from officer positions to committee chairs and more. Now that you've had a chance to learn and grow over the past few years, you're more than ready to rock one of these leadership positions. Not only that, but you can also be a great mentor to younger women in your chapter!
4) You're About to Need a Job
I go to a very pre-professional school, so one of my first thoughts when deciding whether to join a sorority was simple: how will this help me professionally? Now that I have a job after I graduate, I can definitely answer this question with confidence. Being in a sorority means that you always have a network of women that you've never met that want to give you a leg up in life. Interested in TV production? Just post on your chapter's international Facebook page and someone will be able to give you details about a job opening. Or ask a chapter adviser -- they're likely to know a sister they met at a conference that can give you advice about applying to law school. Then there is the resume building aspect. When I was interviewing for my job they didn't want to hear about my "relevant" experiences. My interviewers wanted to know what I learned from working with 120+ women and how I managed my officer position while taking classes. Sorority life provides you with endless answers to interview questions in addition to all of the other benefits.
5) Letters Are for Life
When my chapter colonized in the Spring of 2014, many of the colonizing members were seniors. They joined even though they would be graduating a few months later. Why? Because they knew the most important fact about sororities -- letters are for life. Sure, some women may not choose to continue with the sorority after they graduate. But then there are the women who know it's never a bad thing to have people that care about you no matter where you go. After you graduate, your sorority is still a place to find friends, to volunteer, to mentor. Alumnae members can be advisers, donate to philanthropic causes, attend leadership seminars and so on. My chapter even has an emergency fund for alumnae members that need financial help after personal hardships. And of course, it's never too late to make new friends.
If you're a sophomore, junior, or senior, consider joining a sorority this year. It may just be the best decision you'll make during your college career.
