For many years, I believed the only way to enjoy college would be to join a sorority. It wasn't until the end of rush week that I realized this belief to be completely false. Going from house to house, each 20 minutes max, I began to feel a new set of emotions. I felt as if I didn't belong, like everyone around me had something in common and I was completely shut out. The sorority sisters and PNM's (Potential New Members) bonded over everything from cute outfits to similar majors, yet I found all of my conversations to be completely uninteresting.
What is wrong with me? I couldn't understand why everyone else had a thrill doing this and I didn't. Each day I reminded myself that this was what I wanted and this was what I needed to be accepted in college. But as the week went on, the less happier I became with my mindset... so I decided to drop recruitment.
I came to the realization that greek life just wasn't for me, and that was perfectly okay. From the chanting and clapping to the strict schedules, I knew I had made the right decision. Turns out, many of the friends I had made that week felt the same. They dropped as well and we all became GDI's (God Damn Independents) together.
It has been a month since I've been in college and each day I am reminded of the wise choice I made that day. While other girls are stumbling down the street in their heels and dresses for Monday night dinner, I am laying in bed binge watching Netflix in my sports bra and sweatpants. I am able to study when I want and where I want without the rigorous study hour plans that sororities enforce.
Unfortunately, many people around campus believe everyone is involved in greek life as well. It is almost impossible to go out without hearing "which house are you in?" Stop with the assumptions. Instead, start a conversation differently by asking if I am even in a house in the first place.
If you plan on doing open recruitment in the spring or rushing in the future, please do so. I know for a fact if I wouldn't have tried it, I would have regretted it throughout my entire college career. The experience not only allowed me to have a self realization, but introduced me to some of the greatest girls I have ever met.
I may not be a sorority girl, but I am one step closer to discovering myself.
