As a Greek woman, I’ve heard “Oh my gosh, you’re in a sorority?! *look of disgust* I didn’t think you were that type…” too many times to count, even as just a second-semester sister. I remember bid day, it was a Sunday, and I was so excited to open that manila envelope to see if the sisters of Phi Mu had also chosen me. My Rho group was seated in a large circle counting down the seconds until we could all find our homes, and proceed to run to them. My heart was racing, my eyes watering and forming tears, and my soul was eagerly awaiting the big moment.
A year, heck even month before that day, I would’ve never pictured myself running home to my future sisters on that field. Sorority, the word alone paints a vivid ditsy blonde, stick thin, and rich ‘white girl’ stereotype in our brains. I was one of those freshmen that believed the stereotype was stone, thanks to media, movies, and premature assumptions. Move in day members of Greek life assisted parents and students haul their entire bedrooms into their dorm rooms, and all I could think was “That’ll never be me, I’m not a Barbie.” And I’m well aware that I wasn’t alone, many other girls were thinking the exact same thing.
As the first month passed by, I made new friends and started looking for ways to get involved on campus. In high school I was an overachiever; I graduated in the top 5 of my class, president of two organizations, general member of another, played tennis and softball, and held a part-time job. And frankly, not having anything to do after class felt really weird. Living on an all girl’s floor in my residence hall, some of my close friends began talking about going through formal recruitment and tried to convince me to join them. I always laughed and kind of shrugged it off remembering move in day, and the various occasions I saw them around campus. Continuing with my life, I began to feel alone and lost, I came from an extremely small town and had a close group of friends who had been with me since kindergarten. Finding new clubs and organizations, and a super close friend group was proving to be harder for me than I ever thought it would be.
Everyone on my hall was beginning to find their best friends, and I was just sort of stuck in the middle of being social and maintaining my relationship with my boyfriend, who thankfully had moved to the same town for college. I wanted to go home. I wanted to go back to how things were senior year. I wanted to go home. I could never tell my parents, though, especially my dad. They thought I was having the time of my life. Thankfully, a dear friend asked me one last time if I wanted to go through formal recruitment with her and halfheartedly I registered.
Running home to my sisters on bid day was my saving grace, literally. Without finding them I wouldn't still be in school today. These women are some of the most amazing individuals I’ve ever met -- they’re genuine women. They’ve already proven that they’ll be there for me no matter what, through the highs and lows, through exam week, and by my side on my wedding day.
We’re more than the stereotype. We are active volunteers in our communities, we share a bond unlike no other, we’re intelligent strong women, and we truly care for one another. If I hadn’t of went through recruitment I wouldn’t have made the friends I have today, I wouldn’t have met these great women period, I wouldn’t have the strongest support system I could’ve asked for, and I would’ve have finished coming out of my shell.
Growing up I was the quietest girl in the entire world. I was shy and bashful, and I wouldn’t have gone to a university at all. My step sister was the first person to help pull me out of that shell, and my sorority sisters have helped me come out completely. They have opened my eyes to new perspectives, helped me work through my indecisive tendencies, empowered me to become a better me, and shown me my full potential.
Joining Greek life has changed my life, for the better. As a Greek woman, I am more than just the stereotype. As a Greek woman, I am a leader, a sister, a friend, an activist, a philanthropist, and a unique human. In the words of my father, don’t knock it till you try it. Even if it isn’t for you, it may be for someone else.
