The beginning of the school year has taken on a completely new meaning for me this fall. This past spring I joined a sorority, which to me was like earth-stopping. I admit, I gave into the greek community stereotypes that are all around. The portrayal of greek life in media was the basis my entire life so going into college I thought “no way, not for me." But when I met a lot of girls in greek life on my campus, I was really surprised that they weren’t intimidating, unintelligent or materialistic. Every girl I’ve met has been welcoming and encouraging, which are two adjectives I really didn’t think I would associate with the word sorority. None of my closest friends joined a sorority because it was just never our thing. But since joining, a lot of my friends have changed their views on greek life and with fall recruitment coming up pretty soon, I present to you 5 reasons why joining a sorority might be the thing you’re missing on campus.
1. They care about who you are as a person.
The cheesiest reason comes first, obviously. But it’s true. You get a bid based on whether or not they believe who you fit in with their values, and it’s kind of the highest compliment you can get. They aren’t picking you based on your bank account or how pretty you are, they’re picking you based off of how you carry yourself and if you believe in the same things as them. Every sorority has a different philanthropy and set of beliefs, so just because you don’t think you’ll match well with one doesn’t mean there isn’t another on campus waiting for a girl like you.
2. It’s the easiest way to fill up your schedule.
When you’re involved in greek life, there are always things going on around campus that you may or may not be required to attend. But it gives you a chance to get involved with so many different programs and organizations located on your campus, and as a freshman it makes you feel more at home when you don’t have the time to wallow in your homesickness. And you meet so many new people when you’re involved on campus.
3. You meet connections.
Greek life is an awesome way to meet tons of connections in the field you think you want to make a career in. Every girl in your chapter knows people and someone they know might be able to help you, but if not, there are other chapters with other girls who know other people, and you get my point here. You never realize how important networking is until you get to college and it’s something you hear repeatedly, and joining a sorority gives you a big bonus on the amount of people you can meet!
4. You meet some of your closest friends.
Even after only a semester, I know that some of the people I’ve met will be my friends for years and years after school and until we’re old ladies. When you join a sorority, it’s because you connected with someone in the chapter, and chances are you and that person have a lot in common and they’re someone you can become close with. The girls in your chapter will be there for you when you need them and you’re called sisters for a reason.
5. You can’t knock it ‘till you try it.
Joining a sorority was the best thing I did freshman year. And I really wasn’t sure if I would like it. I kept telling myself I could just quit or not go back to another day of recruitment but every time I met another girl in the chapter I wanted to join even more. There are tons of reasons why I think everyone should give it a try but ultimately it’s your decision and surprisingly it worked out for me, but don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work out for you. Everyone has their thing, and greek life may not be yours, but you’ll never know unless you try.
