The first day of my journalism class—I wasn’t wearing any kind of letters and I became friends with the girl that was sitting near me. As class has gone on, she has obviously realized that I am a member of a sorority and with that realization she has distanced herself from me. This has got to be one of the most frustrating things to deal with. I love my sorority but it does not define who I am. I despise the fact that our campus has such a divide between Greek and non-Greek and that there are so many stereotypes cast upon me simply because I am wearing letters across my chest. I feel like I am missing out on so many interesting people. The misconception that Greeks are “judgmental” leaves me wondering if sometimes it’s the other way around?
Aren’t roughly all 25,000 of us that attend the U of A pretty similar at the end of the day? I know that I could probably find at least one thing in common with every single person that attends this University, despite what organizations they are a member of. Unfortunately by many on this campus, I feel like I am automatically discounted because of my Greek status.
I confess, there are many things I dislike within my sorority- the ungodly amount of money we spend on things like GLITTER (not kidding), how political things can be, the inevitable drama and rumors that arise from a group of 300+ girls, naturally I don’t love all of our rules and like I said—I hate the stereotypes associated with Greek life.
BUT let me clear some (of the stereotypes) things up:
There are many things I absolutely love about being in my sorority that I wish everyone could understand.
My dad works overtime so that he can help “pay for my friends.” They are some of the best friends I could ask for and I am so thankful.
I don’t even know every face that’s a member of my sorority but the ones that I do know would do anything for me. They hold me accountable and I hold myself to a higher standard on my every day actions because I am representing them.
Sure, there are perks of being a “God D*** Independent” but I wouldn’t trade the happiness or support my sisters provide me for anything. Worth. Every. Penny.
I love having a philanthropy that is active all throughout the year and is so relevant to every one. It’s rare in life to find things you are whole-heartedly passionate about and my sorority’s philanthropy is easily one of those things. As cliché as it sounds, it is so rewarding to be able to see the change we make in the community. None of us are being forced to volunteer—we want to.
I love the functions, formals and other social events. I honestly think I would be wildly bored without them. Maybe it seems silly to scramble last minute for a “date-dash” or head to good will to find the perfect function outfit but these events hold some of my best memories. The partying backdrop isn’t just one of Greek life—it’s for all of college? I would just rather “party” dressed in a funny outfit or costume.
I love the importance placed on academics and education within my sorority. I did not come to college to get an “MRS degree,” I came to learn. My sorority requires me to hold a certain grade point average. The assumption that Greek’s priorities are materialistic and fleeting is so far beyond wrong. I work my butt off to make grades that make myself, my parents and my sorority proud.
I’m not exaggerating when I say I could go on and on. I don’t regret my decision to go Greek at all. To all of those who didn’t go Greek: I respect your choice, please respect mine and hold your judgments.
