Living in a sorority house is not at all what is depicted in the movies. Untrue stereotypes and notions are constantly fed through media and television. These misconceptions stem from a lack of understanding. Sorority girls are often given a bad reputation for being shallow. After all, we "pay" for our friends, right? Living in the house just puts the people you paid for in the next room over, right? WRONG. Having the opportunity to spend a lot of time in the house last year and live in the house this year has proven each rumor to be untrue. In fact, I've been blessed to come across some of the most genuine and authentic women of all time through my sorority, Pi Beta Phi. I was and still am loving my decision to live in the house, but so many people are still hung up on a falsified image of what they think sorority life looks like. So instead of rolling with the images portrayed by movies and TV, why don't I write a little clarification list.
For one, we study in the house all the time. There is so much more to sorority than the exchange on Thursday. Obviously the exchanges are fun, but you have to maintain a certain GPA to even attend the social events. So having fun with your friends on Thursday means planning ahead and studying for your tests in advance.
Not everyone enjoys partying. Some girls never go to the exchanges on Thursday. Maybe a group of girls will just stay in and watch a movie. It happens contrary to popular belief.
Back to the studying in the house. Every once in a while, procrastination takes over your life. Your test was a week away, and out of nowhere it's tomorrow. Someone in the house may need to pull an all-nighter with you. It's so much easier to stay up all night when you have someone there to help you out.
Over-sized t-shirts and sweatpants are normal lounging attire around the house. In the movies, girls walk around with their makeup, hair and outfit all put together. That hardly ever happens unless we have a chapter meeting or dinner plans.
The girls don't tear you down; they build you up. After a long day, you have friends that are there for you. I hope you take away what a blessing it is to live in a sorority house. There may be rough times, but at the end of the day someone will be in your corner.
