Before I came to college, everyone back home knew that I would be rushing. The most popular response that I would get from people was, "Don't let it change you." I came from a smaller town that doesn't breed very many Greeks, so most people had a very cynical attitude toward me wanting to join a sorority. Even some of my closest friends would say, "Don't become one of them," because then they obviously couldn't remain my friend.
Despite the lack of support from the people around me, I knew that recruitment was something I most definitely wanted to do. When I pledged my sorority, I always had this thought of "don't let it change you" in the back of my head. However, my sorority did make me change. Here's how.
It has made me grow and mature.
It has taught me how to be there for others.
It has brought me out of my shell.
It has made me a confident and stronger woman.
It has taught me to be selfless.
It has made me a happier person.
It has made me more sure of myself.
It has taught me how to be a great team player.
It made me see who I want to be and how to become that person.
It has shown me that there is good that needs to be done in the world, and has made me want to be the one to do it.
It has taught me that instead of thinking of myself, it brings far greater joy to think of others.
It makes me want to better myself every day.
And the list goes on and on. So this is an open letter to the people who feel like joining a sorority turns you into a cookie cutter spoiled brat that is so often portrayed in movies. My sorority did, in fact, make me change. However, it has changed me into a person that I actually want to be. There is such an expectation to stay true to yourself when you go to college. Yet, I think people confuse this with not changing at all from who you were in high school. If the whole world stayed their high school selves forever, we would have a lot more drama and boy band posters. So, yes, stay true to yourself, but also find who you really are. And I thank my sorority for opening my eyes to that.
"People ask why I'm in a sorority and I try to explain all the things a sorority is that they cannot see. A sorority is more than letters on a sweatshirt, I say. More than traditional songs, a gold pin, rituals, and obligation, or a way of life. A sorority is learning about people, a sorority is giving without expecting a return. A sorority is earning respect from others, as well as for yourself. A sorority will not solve all your problems. But I have made friends and found confidence there to help me take life one step at a time." - Unknown
