Going Greek has been the second best decision I have made in college (going Phi Mu was the first, but that's for another day). It has brought so much positivity, opportunity, and confidence into my life, and I would hate for anyone to miss out just because they don't know enough. No matter your classification, race, background, etc., going Greek is right for you. And here's why...
1. The transition
Coming from a small town with only 70 in my graduating class, college was a scary concept. I was a big fish in a small pond- not even a pond, maybe a puddle- and I was going to become a small fish in a ginormous ocean. It was scary, and while I did get a little involved before recruitment, after going through, you knew so many more people, even some outside of the house you ended up in! I would walk around campus and always see someone I knew, and it felt so good. It definitely helped my confidence to transition into life as a college student.
2. Sisterhood
I know, cliché. But it's the truth! My sorority has brought something stronger than friendship into my life; it's truly a sisterhood. I know if I need something, anything, I can call on one of my 160 sisters. At a retreat, we were doing an activity around the question, "Why do you need this sorority and why does it need you?" Yeah I know, why the heck does my sorority need me??? But, one of my sisters said something like this, "I don't know exactly why Phi Mu needs me, but I think it needs all of us. Not for a specific reason, but just that one day maybe a girl will rush and will need a sister like me, needing something that a different sister couldn't bring, and I will be there for her. Like Phi Mu needs me because someone in here needs me. Phi Mu needs each and every one of us because we all are different and bring something different." And I loved it. My sisters live with the same values, but we are also different. There is a sister for you and you are for a sister. We need each other.
3. Standards
You think sorority girls are stupid? You think we do nothing but party and get drunk? Think again. All sororities have standards (pretty high ones) that we, as sisters, hold each other to. There have been times when a sister is doing something, and I give her a look like, hey don't do that, and she completely stops and thanks me later. There have been times where I receive a text after I posted something saying maybe that's not the best look for you. It either gets changed or taken down completely, and I'm always thankful after when I think about how others might have seen it. Every sorority has certain rules and policies, even a GPA requirement. My sisters hold me accountable, and it definitely makes a difference. I don't not do things because I'm told not to; I don't do it because I respect my sisters and would never want something I do to reflect badly on them. I respect myself and I respect my sisters because they want nothing but the best for me, and I love them for that.
4. Opportunity to give back
Every Greek organization has some type of charity they give back to, and they are so proud of how much they are able to do for that charity. It's almost a competition amongst the houses on who can donate the most- time, money, energy, everything. It warms my heart when I see how much just the chapters at my school do. It's really so incredible seeing college students (who are usually broke) being able to do so much for the less fortunate. I stood outside collecting coins for two days, less than 6 hours each day, and raised about $250, just me, JUST FROM OTHER COLLEGE STUDENTS NOT INVOLVED IN MY ORGANIZATION. It was awesome. Being able to give everything to those who need it, alongside of my sweet sisters, those are some of the best moments.
5. Involvement
In high school, you cheered or danced, played softball or soccer, were in the school play or band, joined Beta or National Honors Society, or something. You most likely did something. Then you get to college and your throwing arm isn't good enough for collegiate softball or your acting level just didn't make the cut. Here's something you can get involved in no matter what. You find the house you fit in to, and that's it. And then, my favorite part, once you're in, that opens up so many more doors! You may have a sister in the certain club you wanted to join and she can help you, or just have people giving you the confidence you needed to go out on a limb and try out for whatever else you wanted to do. College life is so much more fun when you do more than just go to school and go home, and this is definitely one easy way to start getting involved.
Geaux Greek. It will be the best decision you ever make. You will fall in love with every aspect of your new home (I didn't even like pink before Phi Mu), you will proudly become part of something bigger than yourself, and you will have sisters who love you endlessly (it's not 4 years, it's 4 LIFE). No matter what house you end up in, it will be the best house. I can't say it enough, go Greek; it's so worth it.
