When I transferred to my university, within the first couple of weeks I was waiting for the chance to jump into recruitment and join a sorority. I admit, I am the cliche when it comes to a girl wanting to be in a sorority right into college. I loved the idea of sisterhood and a family away from home so by the time it was recruitment weekend I was all ready and on board. Going through can be stressful and that applies to both the recruiter and the recruitee. I remember going through each round and seeing all the sororities on campus. I saw what each stood for in their own way. Everyone is different and they all have values that can appeal to girls going through the process. When I got to bid day I was happy with my new home, I was happy when I ran to my big on big/little reveal day, I am still happy with my sisters and it is all worth the hassle that is recruitment.
The Opportunities: Going Greek can not only expand who you meet on campus but also in the real world outside of college and later on in life. I wouldn't be going to Spain in the summer if it wasn't for my sorority introducing me to PINC. I get to have the opportunity to have alumni who went through the same classes as I am right now help me and have advice for these next few years. Going Greek is not just the sorority you join but it is also the community around the world that connects us all.
The Overpowering Feeling: It comes out of no where. It is the feeling that tugs the heart and it makes the connection of joining not just individual women together but joining them as a group to accomplish things together. The feeling of representation and accomplishment that past sisters have done. Being apart of history and knowing that you are the next generation of legacies.
The Women: The women I have met since recruitment have changed my life. When they say you can meet your best friend, your soulmate, the girl you can trust and go to for anything, they are right. Each one is so different in her own way and when a connection happens to where it is so easy to talk to them and just come up to them at any point in time. They empower and inspire. They reach out and take you in and guide you to the right direction.
The Experience: I have never had so many late night drives, fun girls night outs, random GasDonalds runs, movie and dinner nights, or just staying in the rooms and binge watching Gossip Girl all night before classes. I can get a call at 9 at night asking to go for a food run and I am there. I have never been to a philanthropy event and seen what an impact my organization has in the world outside of college before going Greek. The impact of needing a sisters help and even if you've never talked to them before, they are there for you and willing to help anytime. I got a call over winter break from a sister saying that she didn't know if she left her side door open and was already out of town. I got up from bed and drove to her apartment and made sure her place was locked up and sent her pictures so she didn't have to worry. It's random nice things that can build a relationship and it can be so meaningful.
It's A Choice: I asked a sister what she thought about going Greek. Her answers are completely different from mine but we both end up saying the same thing. Her experience was that she never dreamed she would be in a sorority. She looked at the carbon copy girls and knew it wasn't for her. She didn't want the cliche stereotype so when it came time for recruitment, she did it just to see what could happen. Every sorority is great. We all have our reasons and experiences. So when she got to bid day she realized that it was worth all of the trouble and doubts. She told me her reason for joining the sorority she is in is because she found girls that empower her to do better. She found the girls that are different in their own way and they don't all have to look or act the same way. She was the girl that swore she'd never join, and now she's not regretting it and happy she jumped out of that comfort zone.
Reasons on why I went Greek may not apply to everyone but for me I learned a lot and know it was right for me. Going through and becoming Greek does take a lot of effort. You are asking yourself to represent letters and an organization for the rest of you life. I am not saying its for everyone, but to those that choose to go Greek it can be so much fun. Going Greek has shown me a new world that I would not have experienced in college. I would not have the life I do now without my sisters and friends and it's only been one semester with them. I am looking forward to a long and happy ride and memories that last my lifetime.
