Everyone has heard the stereotypes often associated with sororities. "The only thing sorority girls care about is partying," and "all sorority girls are entitled rich girls," and "you have to be fake to join a sorority," etc. I'm here to tell you from firsthand experience that these stereotypes could not be farther from the truth. In fact, joining a sorority has made me a better version of myself, and here are a few reasons why.
1. I'm surrounded by a group of girls who share the same values as me.
Most sororities have a list of core values/purposes and a creed or symphony that hold their members to a higher standard. When going through recruitment, you learn about each sorority's values and see which ones match up with your own. For example, a line from Chi Omega's symphony states "to place scholarship before social obligations and character before appearances." I'm a better student because my sorority values sincere learning and creditable scholarship, and my sisters are always there to study with me in the library or help me understand a concept I can't quite grasp in a class.
2. I've learned the importance of giving back.
Members of sororities volunteer in their local communities and most sororities have an alliance with a national philanthropy. Members put on events such as cookouts, basketball tournaments, carnivals, etc. to raise money for their sorority's national philanthropy. Members also do volunteer work with their philanthropy and other organizations in their communities. Since 2002, Chi Omega has raised over $13 million and volunteered over half a million hours for Make-A-Wish. Getting the chance to help kids with chronic illnesses live out their dreams is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced.
3. My sisters are some of the most inspiring women I have ever met, and as a result, I push myself to work harder to achieve my goals.
My sorority is made up of some of the most well-rounded, talented, determined, and incredible women I know. Many of these women work multiple jobs, volunteer huge chunks of their time every week, serve in leadership positions in my sorority and in other organizations on campus, and still maintain a high GPA. Witnessing my sisters' hard work and determination pushes me to work harder to achieve my goals.
4. I'm a part of something bigger than myself.
As a member of a sorority, through your ritual and values, you share a bond with thousands of other women across the country (and in some cases even across the globe). I hold myself to a higher standard everyday because I know I'm not only representing myself, I'm also representing my sorority.
5. My sisters are always there to love and support me, and because of this I've become better at loving and supporting others.
My sisters are always there to catch me when I fall. If I don't do well on a test, or go through a bad breakup, or have a mental breakdown, or simply need someone to just listen, these girls are always there. No matter what I'm going through, I know I always have someone to turn to. The unconditional love my sisters have shown me has helped me learn to love others better.
I'm still honored and amazed that I was seen as deserving of something as incredible as Chi Omega, and I'm sure many other sorority women feel the same way about their organizations. I could not be more thankful for the joy that my sisters have brought to my life and the way they push me every day to be a better person. Thank you, Chi Omega, for bringing out the best in me.
