In July 2018, Delta Gamma relaunched its "#IAmASororityWoman" campaign, calling attention to the negative connotation and stereotypes associated with sororities. The campaign also aimed to shed light on the amazing contributions and achievements of sorority women — showing that we are more than what others define us as.
Of course, coming across the hashtag on social media, I could not be any prouder of wearing my letters and being part of such an empowering organization.
I recall the reactions others had when I told them I was in a sorority.
"You don't look like a sorority girl," one person said — as if being in a Greek-letter organization means having a certain look.
And my personal favorite reaction was, "You seem pretty nice for a sorority girl."
I am not your "stereotypical" sorority woman. I am a second generation Filipino-Canadian whose parents immigrated to Toronto in the early '90s. I am a huge journalism and art nerd. I don't describe myself as one who is constantly found at college parties or gatherings, and my friends come from very diverse backgrounds.
I never grew up wealthy, I pay my sorority dues on my own and don't expect my parents to do so for me.
Hollywood movies satirizing Greek life tend to focus on the negative associations of constant partying and alcohol. The image of the blonde, wealthy and slightly air-headed girl comes to mind when thinking of a Hollywood sorority girl (à la "Legally Blonde").
In 2017, social media criticized the practice of door chants and sorority recruitment videos, comparing the two to cult-like activities and primarily to the image of a "Stepford wife." (I can vouch that we are not a cult, nor are we a group of Stepford wives...)
It doesn't make it easier that women of color are left out of the conversation. (Yes, we exist! Multicultural Greek-letter organizations exist as well!) For years, sororities were criticized for their lack of diversity and discrimination against minorities. And while some chapters have made headlines in recent years, one incident should not define the whole experience of being in a sorority, especially considering that chapters are making great efforts toward inclusion and diversity.
Women's fraternities were established in the late 1800s during a time when women were starting to attend universities. Women were scarcely found in academic environments due to prejudice from male classmates and a rigid society bound by traditional gender roles. Sororities were a support system meant to empower women in a male-dominated environment and encourage a feeling of sisterhood and love.
To this day, we still are an amazing support system, full of confident, motivated and empowered women ready to take on the world (and fight the patriarchy).
Our alumnae have gone on to do great things, taking on powerful leadership positions and pursuing their passions. I am proud to be in a collegiate chapter where some amazing female journalists have spent their time and continue to represent our organization.
My sisters see me beyond what I look like or where I come from. They love me because I embody the spirit of a sorority woman. Our love is more than skin deep.
Wearing my letters on campus means so much to me. I am wearing and upholding the traditions that women have set years ago and have ultimately built up to the present day.
To those debating whether or not to join a Greek-letter organization, I say go for it. Joining my sorority in my freshman year was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I don't regret it.
