I would never have guessed I'd end up in a sorority. To me, sororities were what they are to most people: the ultimate joke of the American college experience that centered mainly around beer pong and bitchiness. I knew I could make friends myself in college -- and I did. However, the close bonds promised from being in an organization with like-minded women was a missing component to my life at school. I cautiously signed up, and it ended up being more than I could have ever imagined.
It's recruitment season for some schools, mine included, and throughout this week of preparing to welcome our newest sisters, we've also had time to reflect on our experience in Greek life, such as why we went through rush, why we picked our house and why we're still involved. If there's one thing I've learned above all others, it's this: sorority life isn't what you think it is.
When I first went through recruitment, I was terrified of saying something stupid or erring in some superficial way and being judged for it. However, since being on the other side, I know those stereotypes are just that: stereotypes. We are not judging women based on how they look, or how popular they are. We work long hours to try to find girls who are genuine, funny, caring people who make a positive difference in other peoples' lives.
I found my place through recruitment, and my house is not perfect. We are weird, quirky and we have a high-key obsession with brunch. But when I was having a rough time transitioning to college, finding my home away from home was the turning point. My sisters have my back no matter how big or little the problem is.
When I had ongoing stomach pains throughout the day and refused to go to the hospital, it was a sorority sister I was never especially close with who ultimately forced me to go the hospital. She drove me there at 10 p.m. on a school night, helped me check in, and stayed with me in the same stark white emergency rooms through all the tedious tests until past 4 a.m.
When they operated the next day, they confirmed what my sister had been so worried about and what I'd refused to admit I might have: appendicitis. If I hadn't gone into the hospital, my appendix could have burst, and I very literally could have died.
My sorority sister saved my life.
It was also my sisters who brought me my glasses, toothbrush and phone charger (I was really convinced the hospital trip would not be a long one) the next morning, and it was my big who came and sat with me for over three hours on a hospital gurney in the hallway of the emergency room while I was waiting for the serious surgery the doctors weren't positive I even needed. My parents were hours away, and I wasn't sure they would make it in time to see me before I went into the operating room. When my parents couldn't be there for me, my sisters were.
It was also my sisters who visited me in the hospital when I woke up. They brought me my favorite snacks and get well cards from all the members. It was my sorority sisters who helped me adjust to being on campus when I was still recovering and who drove me to my follow-up appointment when I didn't have a car.
They've been more genuine friends to me then I could have ever begun to imagine. They've helped me through my worst times and have been role models and my personal cheerleaders. They are not shallow, selfish or superficial. They challenge me to be my best self and will cheer me on the whole way. I'm happy to be in a sorority and will stick up for it forever. I never thought I would have been here but here I am.
