Life is often described as a balancing act, where toppling over is expected and order is difficult to maintain.
Over the past four years, I've simultaneously greeted the challenge of being an employee as well as a full-time student. Although this hasn't necessarily been the easiest of tasks, I wouldn't change a thing. By providing me with life long skills and friendships, my sorority has become so much more than just social calendar.
Parties and boys. Above anything else that's the stereotype associated with being a sorority girl. I'd be lying if I said those two weren't my main concerns in my decision to join one. Lose the sorority title, and what girl hasn't been concerned with at least one of the two in their college career?
Aside from the obvious social aspects, there are benefits to becoming Greek that are helping me to achieve my ultimate goal – a dream career and bachelors degree. Granted, there's always the chance that life could lead me down a path I never imagined. One thing I can guarantee from my experience with Greek life, is that my sorority has prepared me with skills that I will utilize in the face of future obstacles.
Communication skills: Holy crap, the first ability I learned when joining a sorority was how useful the skill of small talk is. I'd be lying if I said I couldn't talk my a** off. Being an affiliate with my current chapter, I told my transfer story more than 100 times and reintroduced myself even more than that. Unintentionally, at the time, this practice enabled me to develop the ability to create a connection with total strangers within minutes.
Networking: At this point I think we've all discovered that humans are social creature Therefore, it's only logical that we should have no shame in reaching out to others who can lend assistance to our personal growth. Since pledging a sorority, I've learned that pride and attitude are two qualities that can inhibit success. Through persistence in relationships (aggressively pursuing acquaintances) I've solidified friendships that I will have for the rest of my life. This summer, for instance, I've gained business connections by simply networking individuals who were more than happy to extend a helping hand.
Leadership: Out of more than 200 girls, it's hard to figure out how to comfortably define your role as part of your sorority. After all, council and chair appointments are not meant for everyone. Although, at times, leaders are defined by their titles, the definition of a true leader should be measured by the amount of thankless and selfless acts they complete towards a greater cause. I've learned that, while not necessarily the most glamorous role, working behind the scenes on collaborations and volunteering are just as remarkable as being the face of a position.
Organization: We love it, we hate it, we accept it as Listserv. Created as a way of sending mass information viral, it would be absurd to take listserv for granted. Establishing the ability to communicate the same ideals, same information and same goals, Listserv provides the backbone to all organizations, Greek and non-Greek alike. Built on the same foundations as a business, the format of a sorority is similar, largely in its approach to communications. Synchronizing the actions of employees and members, a sorority, organization, or business is like that of a finely tuned machine. They each require people to work with the same appreciation of one entity. It's the actions of a unit that enables it to succeed. It sounds cliche, but it's been said that, "Teamwork makes the dream work."
In the process of confronting daily challenges, I've gained invaluable life lessons from my sorority which I know I will utilize long after graduation day. Although my diploma will read UGA Class of 2015, I know that my experiences with Greek life at Georgia contribute to skills that elevate me far beyond my degree.
