When I was a junior in high school beginning to go on college tours, I remember one very specific question my mom or I would make sure to ask at every campus we visited-what percentage of your students are involved in greek life? Coming from a family where no one has ever joined a fraternity or sorority, the idea of getting involved in Greek life was scary and very unlikely. Almost three years later, and ironically enough I find myself on a campus with a very small Greek life community, and yet I ended up joining one of the three sororities on campus. Here is my list of seven reasons why you should give Greek life a chance this year:
1. Your sisters will always have your back.
Just picked up the nasty cold that's working its way around campus or need the notes from the physics lecture that you accidentally overslept for and missed? More than likely, one of your sisters will be able to help you out in a flash. Never before have I encountered the love and support in a friend group setting that I have felt with my sisters. They really do care about me, and I care about each and every one of them. I want to see them fly, see their dreams come true, and cannot wait to see the amazing things I know they'll do now and in the future.
2. Philanthropy, philanthropy, philanthropy!
For me, one of the coolest parts about being in a sorority is that we get to focus on one specific charitable cause as our philanthropy and do incredible service projects for this cause. Together you are united with your sisters for a common good, making a difference in your community.
3. You find your own little family within your sorority.
Everyone gets a "big" once you join a sorority. Your big is kind of like your guide to sorority life when you first join, and more than likely the two of you will become incredibly close. Not only are you connected to your big, but you then have your grandbig, great-grandbig, and it continues on and on! You are connected to the extraordinary women who have come before you and fallen in love with that same sorority. And you get to pass on your knowledge to your future little!
4. There is always someone down for an adventure, a quick workout, a study session, etc.
One quick post in your group Facebook page, and you have instantly found your new study buddy, workout friend, or travel companion. Your sisters will be there for you if you need someone, but they also know when to respect that you just want to be alone.
5. Social events/outings will never be the same ever again.
Once you live in the house, whether it's going out on a Friday night or heading to formal, getting ready to go out will never be the same again. Now you have a plethora of sisters to ask about outfit choices, makeup, hair, etc. And if you can't find shoes? Don't worry, there's probably somebody the same size as you in the house.
6. Networking-"Oh so you're an *insert sorority name*? Me too!"
The second you meet someone outside of your school who is or was in the same sorority as you, an instant connection occurs. I have heard stories about sisters who were on job interviews, and the interviewer was in the same sorority as us when she was in college. You two may have never met before, but the two of you now share a common connection through your sorority and the rituals of your sorority.
7. The friendships don't end at graduation.
This isn't a three or so year commitment with an expiration date. After you graduate, you are still a Lifetime Member of your sorority and will leave with a degree or two and some incredible friendships.
Go Greek!
