"Why would you want to join a sorority? You're just buying friends."

No. That is not why I want to join a sorority, and I am sorry you see it that way. I am sorry to all the girls who feel discouraged after they hear those words from friends. Sororities are built on other things besides sisterhood. They are built on philanthropy, community, and tradition. These things bring groups of girls together in their chapters. Let me tell you why I want to be a part of this.

I stated before that philanthropy is something sororities focus on. They do! Go ahead and ask the president of a sorority at your school how much money they raise for their chapter cause. You might just be surprised. Everyone seems to forget that sororities host events for their cause. For instance, Phi Mu at Southern Miss holds a Bonnamu concert to raise money for The Children's Miracle Network. Chi Omega hosts an annual Songfest to raise money for The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Pi Beta Phi puts on a Dance-A-Thon to raise money for First Book. These are just a few examples of the many philanthropy events that sororities put on. Raising money for charities and doing philanthropy work has been one of my many passions and joining a sorority would help me continue that even more. I would have many opportunities to raise money for causes and help out the community if I join a sorority.

With philanthropy comes community. Community is a big thing, no matter who you are. Sororities help with that. They bring girls together to create one loving community. It is just like living in a residence hall. You meet tons of girls on your floor and you all become a community of college students. If you have a great community, this affects the way you view your time at college. I want to be a part of the Greek community. They all get together and give back to other communities, they get to know each other, and most importantly, they support each other and our school. That sounds like a good time to me!

Just like universities and colleges, sororities have traditions. These date back years and years. The motto never changes, the colors never change, and the foundation on which they stand does not change. Sororities live on traditions, and traditions are definitely something to look forward to. I have always been about traditions and sticking by them. Just like USM has their Golden Eagle Welcome Week (GEWW), sororities have fun and exciting events like Bid Day. It's just one of those little things that the actives and pledges can enjoy with their new home.

Hopefully others can finally understand why I want to be a part of a sorority. Friends and long time sisterhood is just a plus to these big reasons of why I want to be a part of something so amazing. I can't wait to go through recruitment in August with many other girls. Good luck to everyone during recruitment.

Southern Miss To The Top!