First, let me start by saying that this article isn’t going to be about the joys of sisterhood or how it’s not just 4 years, it’s for life. When most people meet me, they’re actually confused to find out I’m in a sorority.
My experience in Greek life hasn’t exactly been what I thought it’d be. There are times when I’ve thrived and times when I’ve felt like an outlier in my own sorority. All that being said, whether or not Greek life has lived up to my expectations or common stereotypes, I’ve learned a few things along the way.
1. Don't try to change who you are
If people can’t accept you and your quirks, then it just wasn’t meant to be. It’s rarely worth it to tailor your personality to better suit the people around you. You’re not being yourself and they’re not getting to know the real you, so what’s the point?
2. Making acquaintances is easy, but making friends is hard
While it’s very easy to Snapchat at a party with some girls, that doesn’t create a lasting bond. It’s easy to get set in a way of only talking to your closest friends, but it’s important to remember that we’re very capable of meeting and getting to know new people.
3. Be happy with the friends you do have
Just because you’re not friends with everyone in your house, that doesn’t mean you don’t have friends at all. Chances are you have some really close friends that aren’t in your house or in Greek life at all. Never lose or neglect those people because they’re the ones that have been there through it all.
4. Trying to be exclusive never helped anyone
Disclaimer: I understand Greek life is exclusive in its own sense, but I’m strictly talking friend groups, Greek life or not.
Exclusivity has never been a strong suit of mine, as I wasn’t in “the” high school group or a part of “the” group of girls in my sorority. I don’t really understand why exclusivity is something people hold so dearly to them because no one really benefits. You’re either on the outside looking in or on the inside with no way to look out, ultimately leaving people out.
5. Branching out is scary but usually worth a shot
This could be applicable to meeting the girls in your house or even the people in your classes. Everyone has something to offer and although it can be intimidating trying to get to know someone you’ve hardly talked to, it never hurts to try, even if it doesn’t end in a lifelong or even month long friendship.
6. Surround yourself with the people that celebrate you
These people could be the girls in your sorority, your summer roommates, the best friend you made on the first day of college, or even the people in a club you’re with. It doesn’t matter who it is, what matters is that you’re around people who make you feel good about yourself and make you feel good about being yourself.
Although my experience in Greek life hasn’t quite been what I thought it’d be, it’s taught me more about myself than I ever expected. I have a better idea of who I am and who I want to be. I know who cares about me and whom I care about and that alone has made joining a sorority worth it all.
