I don't know if you are a freshman or older, but I can say that I have been you. Three times, actually. You see, I was never 100 percent about joining Greek Life during my college career. I kind of just did it. Well, it took me a while to get there, but I did.
When I was a freshman and recruitment came around, like many, I played with the idea in my head. Ultimately, I did not sign up, and for a year, I was content with my choice not to. Myself being content with the choice not to join a sorority did not stop people from telling how I should be in a sorority and how I would love it and it would be great for me, though. So, the idea once again played in my head, and then sophomore year rolled around.
I started to feel like something about my college experience was off, so I signed up for recruitment. In truth I was denying, I wanted to transfer schools, but I was going into recruitment with an open mind. I went through all of rounds right until the end of pref (that's the last round before bid day) and something inside me just clicked. As I was sitting there listening to these girls talk to me about their chapter, I was internally screaming. I hated it and I wanted nothing to do with it. And that is perfectly OK.
In that moment and at that university, Greek life was not for me, so I signed the other form and withdrew from recruitment. I would only encourage someone to drop out of recruitment if they felt like I did. I couldn't see myself in the chapter, I had zero desire to "try it out" and I realized I was happy not being a part of it.
Now, fast forward. I realize that entire time I wanted to transfer, I transferred, and it's fall semester at my new school AKA the University of Cincinnati. Now I had friends who were in Greek life and friends who were not, but I decided to give it another shot. After all, it was a new school and every campuses' Greek life is different.
I went through as a junior. I was older than most and it was uncomfortable, but I kept on going through the process. I meshed really well with some of the chapters I talked to, and by the end of the process, I accepted a bid.
I accepted a bid, but I was still unsure. I could see myself in the chapter, though, and I had a desire to at least try it out, so I did, and here I am entering my third year in the chapter. I'm lucky to get three due to being in a five-year program, but even if I only got two, the experience would have been worth it.
Because I joined Greek life, I have met some of my best friends, I've gotten involved in different organizations on campus and I got jobs! Seriously, on the last one, Greek life has great networking opportunities. Besides that, I have felt inspired, passionate and determined. My college experience at UC would not be the same without Greek life and neither would my professional career.
I was never 100 percent into joining Greek Life. The first time I went through with trying, I ran away from the process, but the second time I made it through, and I am so happy I did.
So if there is an small bit of you who wants to try it, go for it! It's one or two weekends of your life and you could meet some new friends, even if you don't end up joining a chapter.
If you are concerned about joining one, I encourage you to try it out, even if you only kind of want to. Some of the girls I know who love their chapters the most were at that point when their bid day rolled around.
You'll never know if you would have liked it if you don't try!
