As I began to think about college, I never in a million years would have affiliated my college years with being in a sorority. My close friends and family would probably say that I’m outgoing, but I always saw myself as being relatively shy and to myself.
Coming to Western Connecticut State University was a last minute decision for me after transferring schools, and when I made the transition, I truly did not think I would be happy here. Once I got to Westconn, my first month consisted of driving to class, driving home, and hanging out by myself. I knew I could not do that for the duration of my college career. I spoke to one of my best friends from my hometown, and she suggested I join a sorority. I’ll be honest… I did not even know Westconn had sororities until my friend mentioned it to me. So, like every other girl probably did… I got on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and stalked every single organization on campus! Recruitment had just begun and I missed the first night, but my friend(s) convinced me to go for it! Thank you, Lauren (I know you’ll be reading this), because being a part of Greek life at Westconn has changed my life!
I really don’t like hearing the excuse that people “don’t think sorority life is for them,” when they haven’t even tried it. I am far from the sorority stereotype and I absolutely love it. Being a part of a sorority at a relatively small school is definitely an awesome idea! Here’s why:
1. Leadership Opportunities/Resume Building
Joining a fraternity or sorority on campus brings you so much more than you would think! Within a sorority, there are plenty of opportunities to run for a position. With a position, you feel way more connected to your sorority and you gain so much knowledge about responsibility and hard work. Experience is important in the real world, and being part of Greek life definitely gives you that advantage. On a resume, being part of an organization looks awesome! You are showing someone that you work well not only as an individual contributor, (if you have a position within the sorority) but also have great communication skills.
2. If I pay for my friends, I’m definitely not paying enough!
Okay… so I think everyone has this idea that people in fraternities and sororities, “buy their friends,” (which yes, being a part of Greek life isn’t free) however, I feel that it is quite the contrary. Joining Greek life opens your mind to a bunch of people who you normally would not “mix” with. It definitely brings you a sense of "belonging," finding other people who share the same likes and dislikes, and finding others who bring different viewpoints than your own.
If you’re a commuter, or don’t feel like making friends is as easy as you thought, JOIN GREEK LIFE. As previously mentioned, I would spend my days going to class and coming back home. It feels so overwhelmingly good to know people on campus. It’s the best feeling to walk outside of class and see two to three familiar and smiling faces. Having true, genuine friends (who would be there for you in a heartbeat) is amazing, so joining Greek life and gaining twenty or more, is even better.
3. Schoolwork (FML).
I think it’s fair to say that school isn’t for everyone. Unfortunately, we all weren’t born knowing everything… so we go to class, get stressed out, and have a mental breakdown. Well… if you’re in an organization, you have at least 10 people who you can go to for homework help! Not doing well in Psychology? That’s okay… there are about five psychology majors who would be more than happy to help a fellow sister. In fact, that is what family is all about!
4. Philanthropy.
Philanthropy is a HUGE part of Greek Life and honestly, one of the most rewarding parts! Fraternities and sororities have mandatory philanthropy programs that they are associated with. As a Greek organization, we raise money for our philanthropy program and help that program out in anyway we can. In my case, it’s the Ronald McDonald House. Ever see those big tin boxes by the registers at McDonald’s? Well… that money goes to the Ronald McDonald House. It is a place where families can stay (for free) while their children are sick in nearby hospitals. The closest house is in New Haven, so my sorority takes trips to feed, babysit, clean, but more importantly make a difference to these families who are going through an extraordinary hardship in their lives. Doing these good deeds helps your organization become recognized not only locally, but nationally and internationally. Bringing a smile provides a ray of sunshine in a somewhat dark day, but for me, personally, is it extremely rewarding.
5. SOCIAL LIFE! (Working on mine...)
Being a part of any organization on campus helps you meet people on campus that you maybe wouldn’t have met otherwise. Especially for Greek Life, you become friends with the other Greeks, and can pretty much find out about events going on for the weekend. Being a commuter is difficult and it’s hard to find out what I should do on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night. I frequently text my sisters to see if anything is going on, or if anybody wants to hangout, and nine out of ten times I find something! “Who do you know here?” Well… actually I’m a part of Greek life (aka let me in)!
So, if you feel like you’re not making the most out of your college experience, I definitely recommend going Greek! You’ll make lifelong sisters, you’ll have a social life, and you’ll even land a great job out of college! What more do you want? #wcsugreeklife
