The decision to go Greek is never an easy one to make and will ultimately impact the next four years of your life. You struggle with the time commitment, the requirements, and the constant thought of “Is this right for me? Am I a sorority girl?”
I struggled with this decision three years ago, but I looked past everything that made me nervous about Greek life. I discovered what it truly meant to be in a sorority, and I can honestly say that was the best decision I made. Throughout my college years, I have developed both personally and professionally, while also gaining a wide variety of experiences.
Plus, I could never trade the life-long relationships and countless memories for anything.
Here are the 7 Reasons why I chose the life of a sorority girl:
1. To gain leadership experience
A sorority allows you to build your resume by gaining a variety of leadership experience. Holding a leadership position in a sorority teaches you how to take lead, and allows you to gain both professional and interpersonal skills, which are building blocks to landing your dream internship or full-time career.
2. To academically succeed
Whether you are struggling on a homework problem or cramming for a mid-term, a sorority provides you with the tools you need to help you through your classes. There are study files to help you solve the calculus problem you have been working on for days, study hours to encourage you to keep up on your school work, and friends who are always there to help you along the way. If you ask a question about a class, your sisters are there to help you no matter what. It is encouraging to know there is always someone there to lean on for support.
3. To live with 30 of my best friends
Yes, when you pack a bunch of college girls in one house, things will not always perfect. Someone will always leave her hair in the shower drain or come home super late and wake everyone up, and there really is no sense of privacy. But you get the opportunity to learn about the girls you joined your sorority with. The late night talks, the weekly Bachelor premier parties, and the ability to have 29 shoulders to cry on are what make living in a sorority house truly memorable. You build bonds with girls you never knew before.
And let’s face it, it’s pretty nice having 30 closets to rely on, too.
4. To give back to the community
A sorority gives you the opportunity to impact others and give back in any way possible, whether it’s through philanthropy events, volunteer hours, or supporting other student organizations. The impact a small donation or an hour of your service can make gives you a sense of purpose – that you were able to help, support, and make a difference in someone else’s life.
5. To build a professional network
Networking is the key to landing your dream career. When you are a part of a sorority, you gain a special bond with girls from around the nation – both alumni and collegiate members. This bond allows you to interact with professionals in your industry. And, it could even help you land your dream job after graduation.
6. To learn how to balance what life throws at you
Everyone has a busy life. Between class, work, and extra-curricular activities, it hardly seems like there is even time to breath. Being in a sorority teaches you to balance your schedule.
Sometimes you find yourself cramming for three exams during your philanthropy week or working late on a project to make sure you can go to the date party. Because of this, you learn to balance your load. And in the meantime, you have a group of 120 girls who will support you along the way.
7. To have a home away from home
College is scary. You move to a new city, with new people, and leave everything you love behind. Joining a sorority provides you that comfort and support system to make your transition to college so much easier. And as cheesy as it may sound, it truly is your home away from home.
No matter what is going on in your life, your sisters are always there to help you pick up the pieces.
I wouldn’t trade the memories, experiences, and relationships for anything. Gamma Phi Beta is my home away from home, my support system, my study buddy, my network, and my family. I have found my place in Gamma Phi Beta, and deciding to go Greek was the best decision I have ever made.
