With Greek life having such a negative reputation in the media, It is hard to see the organizations for the good it provides to the young individuals who are initiated into them. Now don't get me wrong, it's hard to take me seriously when we're talking about the individuals who spend multiple hours practicing a chant they perform in a door as if it was seen on the Disney attraction "It's A Small World." We're known for our matching shirts, sisterhood events, chapter secrets, and what we all know as the sisterhood. But what if I told you this four-year involvement was all worth it? Surprisingly, being a part of a sorority is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will prepare me for any obstacle in the workforce.

1. Take it From The Northerner

Bid Day 2017Photo Provided By Julia Smith

Before I even thought about applying to colleges, being in a sorority never crossed my mind. Not knowing I was going to a university known for their greek life, I dove in blindly to an unknown water. Being In a sorority was a foreign land to me, but to this day I have ever felt like the minority. The process of being placed in a certain house is simply by finding individuals you share common internets with. The process seemed intense and somewhat impossible, but the recruitment algorithm ensures that You will find your people. Finding your place is very important especially when you are hours away from your home. In this case, sorority made this process much easier and helped me find the trustworthy individuals that I can count on.

2. Involvement Opportunities

Executive Council 2018Photo Provided By Kathleen McManus

On average, Alabama sororities have hundreds of members. Behind all the sisterhood, philanthropy, and school-wide events, there have to be individuals to make these fundraisers happen. Being apart of a sorority has to give me a platform to test my leadership skills and learn from my mistakes. Finding solutions for the majority to agree with can be hard at times. I have learned to delegate power, think about others before myself, the power of my words and actions, and doing all of this while attending classes and internships that regard my degree. I have learned to accept that things don't always go as planned and that events can still do well even if they are not perfect. If you can do things accurately for a house of hundreds of girls, you can do anything and indeed ready to tackle any big-girl job.

3. Representing a Brand

Sisterhood EventPhoto Provided By Julia Smith

Other than the recognizable greek letters, being in a sorority comes with expected reputations. Having a respectful and tactful social media presence is expected when being apart of an organization. In the long run, this is preparing the young women of having a positive image in the media especially when applying for jobs. In this case, going through seminars on the importance of respecting yourself and others are lessons I cherish to prepare me for the professional world. Because being apart of a sorority is more than the glitter and pictures. You learn how to be the highest type of womanhood and prepare you for the scary step of the future.

4. Sisterhood

Photo provided by Julia Smith

All colleges have the reputation of being the best four years of your life, but at times the lows seem inescapable. Having the individuals who know the real you, a shoulder to cry on, a trustworthy friend you can vent to, and get you through any dark time. I won't remember every boy I meet, every gamely, but I know that my friends I make will be forever. We may not be blood-related, but I do believe the sisterhood is real.