Though I've only been in a sorority for a few short weeks now I wanted to tell you a little about the "srat" life. I'll start off by saying that these past few weeks have probably been the highlight of my college experience so far. As someone who wasn't completely sold on the sorority lifestyle, I almost withdrew from Greek recruitment numerous times. No only did I have doubts about it but so did my family members, as one cousin (who will remain nameless) tipsily told me on Christmas, "I can't believe you're rushing, you're not the type of girl who belongs in a sorority, that stuff is below you." Though I had my doubts, that conversation shocked me.
Sororities tend to get a bad rap. Yes, at some schools there's hazing. Yes, the recruitment process is based on the judgement of personality and sometimes, unfairly, looks. However, as a once doubtful potential new member turned "srat" queen, I truly believe that sororities are about more than just the stereotypes that are they are typically associated with. There is a lot more to sororities that meet the eye, as a converted disbeliever, I can honestly attest to that.
As an Alpha member of the Theta Zeta chapter of Alpha Delta Pi at Washington and Lee University I can say that becoming a member of ADPi has already changed my college experience for the better. Not only that but I couldn't be prouder to be associated with all the lovely ladies of ADPi. All of my new sisters are some of the most unique people on this campus. They all have amazing personalities, interesting idiosyncrasies, and (for the most part) a killer sense of humor.
Before I continue, I want to be clear, this is not just a love letter to ADPi. This is my attempt at clearing up what get tends misconstrued when people talk about sororities. All the stereotypes and labels that are commonly associated with sororities are not applicable to all sororities. To everyone out there who is on the fence about rushing -- do! I know it might be hard for you to see yourself in a sorority but if I'm being honest, I didn't see myself joining one either.
Joining a sorority provides an instant support network of like-minded individuals who are probably nothing like you expected them to be if you believed all the stereotypes. Already I have made friends that I would never have met that I know will be my friends for life. Everyone has a good time together and I've honestly never celebrated so many birthday parties in such a short time! However, being in a sorority is more that just being friends and going to birthday parties, it's much, much more than that. Joining a sorority is the perfect opportunity to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and truly grow into who you are as a person.
If you're still a skeptic, my best advice to you is that this is truly something you have to see to believe so give being in a sorority a real chance. That being said, Greek life isn't for everyone, however, what's the harm in giving it a try. You will experience so many wonderful things and if you still aren't into it, you can disaffiliate in a heartbeat. No harm, no foul.
