There are many myths and misconceptions when it comes to the topic of sorority recruitment and Greek life. Often times, Greek life comes with negative stereotypes and outrageous horror stories that are often very untrue! The decision to join a sorority has been the best decision I have made in my life. Over the years of being involved in the Greek system, I have learned that most rumors and misconceptions arise because of people not understanding the Greek system and fearing something that they do not understand. Here are a few common myths and the truths behind them.
1. Being a member of a sorority means that I am "paying for my friends."
This is a statement heard countless times that has absolutely no truth to it! The dues that sorority women pay go towards upkeep of the sorority house, badges, philanthropic organizations, new member recruitment, and scholarships! All of the fees you pay are best budgeted and used for your benefit. I have many friends outside of my sorority, as well as my sisters in my sorority. On another note, if I truly do not want to be someone's friend, no amount of money they pay will make me want to become friends with them. You are not paying for friendship, you are paying fees to keep the organization up and running, just as you would with any club that you join!
2. Sorority women participate in crazy rituals where they sacrifice an animal.
This rumor has no truth to it! Although we do have secret ritual ceremonies, they are to remind us of why we come together as an organization as a whole. Our ritual reminds us of our core values and strengthens our bond as a chapter. There are no practices in our ritual that isn't explained fully to you after initiation. The ritual was not intended to make anyone uneasy or uncomfortable, instead it is meant to celebrate sisterhood and the foundation upon which your organization stands!
3. Sorority girls are always having the wildest parties.
Actually, we are not allowed to have parties in our sorority house. A requirement of being in a sorority is having a certain GPA, so often times we are hitting the books and not out partying. We also are not allowed to wear our sorority letters out to bars or clubs. Although we do love to have fun, there are strict regulations on underage drinking and regulations in place to keep every member as safe as possible.
4. Sorority girls are all blonde hair, blue eyed supermodels.
This rumor is not true! Each girl in my chapter is her own unique individual self. Sororities feature girls of every race, social status, size, shape, and background. We pride ourselves on diversity and being inclusive! There is no model for a "typical sorority girl". I have sisters who have blue hair, tattoos, are not from this country, can speak different languages, and even sisters who are very similar to myself. Sharing the common bond of sisterhood unites us as one.
5. Sorority girls are only in college to find a husband.
This myth is absolutely untrue! I have met some of the most strong and independent women who are my sisters. We are students first and sorority members second. School is a big priority, and if certain grade requirements are not met, there are consequences. I have sisters who are aspiring engineers, lawyers, doctors, chemists, social workers, nurses, teachers, pharmacists, animators, and many more! Being in a sorority, I always have a study buddy available to stay up and pull all nighters for a big test.
6. If I am a pledge for a sorority I will have to go through "Hell Week."
There are strict no hazing policies in place. You will never have to perform ridiculous tasks in order to be a part of our sisterhood. Greek life is very loving and accepting with a "come as you are" attitude in place. There are serious repercussions for hazing, such as shutting down of the chapter. There is absolutely zero tolerance for hazing or being unsisterly to another member. In fact, there is a standards committee to make sure that peace and happiness is kept within the chapter.
7. Sorority girls only associate with a certain fraternity.
As a sorority girl, I have friends in every fraternity and sorority on campus. We pride ourselves in great Panhellenic and Greek relations. We support other Greek organizations in events that they host. We have a wide variety of events with different fraternities. There is no "big brother" fraternity that each sorority associates with specifically. Panhellenic pride is very strong and we are very proud to be one big Greek family.
These are just a few myths associated with sorority life. The best defense against these myths is to consider the source and ask a member of a Greek organization any questions that you may have! We are very excited to clear any misconceptions and tell you about all of the positive ways that we have benefited from going Greek!
