1. We Pay for Friends
This is definitely the most common complaint I have heard about Greek Life. Yes, we do pay dues each semester but I have never seen it as paying for friends. The money that I put into my sorority is what allows me to enjoy my Greek experience as much as I have. The dues I pay go towards the amazing events that we host including Formal, Semi-formal, philanthropic events, and recruitment. If I were to consider the dues I pay as “paying for friends,” than I owe my sorority a lot more money because the friendships I have gained are worth more than I can fathom.
2. Hazing
Before I went through recruitment, I had heard horror stories about hazing. When I went through, however, I saw how truly against hazing greek life was. My campus, along with many other campuses, have a very strict anti-hazing rule. Becoming a member was an amazing and eye-opening experience and hazing was never involved.
3. You Can Only Be friends with people in your sorority
Although some of my strongest friendships are with my sisters, I am great friends with people in other greek organizations along with people who aren't involved in greek life at all. I have never felt as if being friends with people not in my sorority is frowned upon.
4. If you don't party, don't bother rushing
Partying is not directly part of sorority life. Although there are parties and I would be lying if I said I never attended, not going to parties is not seen as odd within a sorority. While going to an occasional party is a great way to build the relationships with your sisters, there are so many other ways to hang out with your sisters. Yes, parties are fun but they are not the be all and end all of life in a sorority.
5. You can’t have a life outside of your sorority
Being in a sorority is a commitment and when you are inducted as a member you make a promise to be committed to your sorority. While this is true, being in a sorority does not mean that any free time you have is consumed.I have learned the very important lesson of time-management which has allowed me to maintain a life outside and inside my sorority.
6. Sororities are only about looks
This is most definitely the most untrue stereotype that plagues sororities. A sorority is about sisterhood and becoming the best woman you can be. I must admit that, before recruitment, I had never seen myself as looking the part of a sorority girl. When I went through recruitment, however, I was surrounded by girls of all different shapes and sizes that truly loved their sorority. I did not feel ashamed of my body because I knew I was surrounded by girls who would love me for me, not my appearance. If you would like to get into greek life but are too scared because you don't think you are “perfect,” take the leap because you will find your home and be surrounded by sisters who love you for you.
