The idea of sororities holds different values for different people. Many girls desire to be a apart of a sisterhood that lasts forever. Many guys hope they'll date a girl in a sorority. Others hate the whole idea and hold the girls involved to a low standard. For a long time, I thought the women in sororities where all the same. Beautiful girls that hold their value in materialistic items and look down on others. I admit that I was totally wrong. I was in a time in my life, where my mind was closed. Since coming into college, I've met many great women in sororities. I have had friends in both fraternities and sororities that have taught me the importance of the Greek system and opened my eyes to positive impact on the Greek system. I learned that sorority girls kind of get a bad rep a lot. In order to get a better understanding of it all, I decided to interview a young woman in the greek system.
Abbey Burrage is a senior at the University of West Georgia and a proud member of Phi Mu. I sent her some questions I thought would help me see what it looks like from the inside looking out.
Q: "How do you think society looks at the Greek system?"
A: "I think society looks at the Greek system as just a means to party. I think it's looked a as a group of party animals and spoiled brats who have everything handed to them and pay for their friends. The social scene of Greek life is usually the only thing highlighted, but in reality, you're building lifelong friendships and connections that promote sister hood, brotherhood, leadership and giving back to the community."
Q: "What are some Major stigmas on sorority girls?"
A: "I think a few stigmas are that sorority girls are stuck up brats who's parents pay for their friends along with everything else. We think that everything should be handed to us. I think they are looked as close minded party girls and a lot of times air heads. People do not think we are down to earth."
Q: "What do people think of Phi Mu on campus?"
A: "From what I have heard around campus, we are looked at a few ways. Some people see us as the good girls who you would take home to mom, so I guess like wifey material. Other stigmas have been that we are stuck up girls who are wild, but really good at hiding it."
Q: "Why did you join Phi Mu?"
A: "I would be lying if I said that a part of why I joined a sorority wasn't for dressing up for formals, going all out on costumes for socials,making best friends and even the cute T-shirts. But the main reason I joined Phi Mu is because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to make bonds that would last a lifetime with girls that have the same morals as I do, and had the same drive to make something of themselves."
Q: "Do you find worth in your sorority?"
A: "For sure, it is a great feeling to be apart of something so great and Phi Mu has given that to me. Phi mu has some of the best girls I have ever met. It is based on christian values and is one of the top sororities at my school. Yes, it does have worth in my life, but I do not look to it to define me."
Q: " Would you say to people with closed minds towards your sorority?"
A: "I would say that with that assumption, they are missing out on we have to offer. If they would look past the stereotypes placed on us, then they would see how we know our worth aside from our appearance, strive to become better versions of ourselves and that we are so much more than pretty faces. We have been first in grades for the past 4 semesters, we just won chapter of excellence at our school, and are always sponsoring and participating in events to help our national and local philanthropies. I would encourage them to look past all of the stereotypes that have been placed on us and that they would get to know the girls behind the letters and I would almost guarantee that the would not regret it."
I think that it is important for us as humans to look for the person rather what they are affiliated it. If you close yourself off to certain groups, you are missing out on life.
