Let me start by saying that everyone is more than welcome to express their opinion on how they feel especially when it comes to writing. Honestly, that’s the beauty of it all; we can take how we feel, put it into words that make the most sense to us and share it with the world. It’s a beautiful thing, really. I’ll also be the one to brag on myself for a second and say that when it comes to being supportive of another individual who writes for Odyssey, I am 100% there. I may not agree with every article I read but we all write for some of the same reasons and nobody should be told they're wrong for writing how they feel. HOWEVER, this past week I was completely taken back when I came across the article https://www.theodysseyonline.com/why-didnt-rush. There were many points made that sent me straight into orbit with pure anger and I was questioning how someone could even make the assumption of why they chose not to rush IF THEY HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED IT.

Let me start at point #1.

“I KNEW I DIDN’T BELONG.”

Mmk, SO to start… I definitely do NOT have waist long blonde hair and neither does every other girl across the US who is in a Greek organization. I have dark brown hair and dark brown eyes with plenty of other dark features to compliment my appearance. I’m also not “rail skinny”, I stand at 5’11 and being rail skinny wouldn’t exactly be how I’d like to look because I would simply look SICK. My sisters and I do not take part in Zumba classes seeing that half of us can’t even dance, but thanks for giving me an idea for a sisterhood event in the future! Of course everyone is different within an organization but not once, EVER, have I had a sister “tell me what to do” or “tell me what to wear”. In fact, when we dress the same it’s most likely because we are taking part in an event that involves helping another chapter with their philanthropy or going through recruitment, NOT because we are “told” to do so.

“SORORITY MOMS”

THIS is the part that sent me into orbit. My mother (shoutout to you hot momma) DAMN SURE does NOT spend her time “brunching with her girlfriends”, gossiping, and spending money. My mother spends 40 hours a week at work ON HER GRIND in scrubs at a hospital where she EARNED her masters degree in two different things with 3 children. If there is ANYONE in my life I should be inspired by it’s her and her ability to work her ass off without a single complaint. So, if you want a definition of a badass SORORITY mother, Felicia.. you are the one.

"THE MONAYYYYYY”

Don’t get me wrong, sorority life is realllllly expensive. Totally not the way to go for some, in fact it wasn’t the ideal route for me either (or my parents) especially in the beginning when I was hit with my first installment fee. I didn’t exactly join my organization hoping to pay money but I knew it would be required so I was willing to make some sacrifices. I think what most people don’t realize with the money aspect of it is YOU GET SO MUCH out of it. I’m not paying for my friends. I’m not paying for these memories that will last a lifetime. I’m not paying for a good time and to feel secure about myself, these things are just a bonus. Joining an organization that requires you to pay to stay has actually helped me A TON in learning how to be financially responsible. It’s something I can vouch for, for sure.

“COLLEGE WAS A CLEAN SLATE”

FGCU being my third college wasn’t my exact plan and neither was rushing. Although Florida was my “clean slate”, so was joining a sorority. In fact it was quite the refreshing feeling that I was willing to step out of my comfort zone and go for something totally new and unexpected. Am I rich? HELL NO. Money is the NUMBER ONE thing that stresses me in my life but am I happy? YES. Regardless of our differences as individuals, I have those 100 sisters who are here for me through anything and are always supportive.

“THE SOCIAL GATHERINGS WERE A ‘NAH’”

LOL, honey. You are not the only one trying to achieve a perfect GPA and taking credit hours. I’m currently taking 18 credits, working a 30-35 hour work week, and I serve on my chapters executive board. You were saying?

“THE PROCESS OF RUSHING”

I’m not sure if every sorority girl can relate to what I’m about to say but when I am sitting waiting for the next round of girls coming through our door for recruitment I am confident in knowing that every single one of them has EXACTLY what any organization is looking for especially my own (academic interest, willingness to volunteer, being a supportive sister, the list goes on and on). Will I be offended if someone is not interested in academics? No. Will I be offended that not everyone is looking to grow within an organization that's Greek related? No. Will I be offended if someone does not click with my organization? No way. Everybody is different, boo. Nobody is perfect and that right there is inevitable. Nobody ever will be, but do not for a second sit here and state that all we do is make preconceived judgments on every single girl who walks through our door because that is not what recruitment is for us. ANY of us.

“THE STIGMA”

OMG I LOVE THIS simply because when I did my interview for the job I currently have and they saw I was in an organization, my boss was immediately PUMPED. We spent about an hour and 30 minutes discussing things that were related to Greek life and how when he was in college his fraternity completely changed his life. So once again..what was that you said?

“TIME COMMITMENT”

I don’t think you’re completely wrong here, I can actually see where you are coming from 100% but as for the rest of what was said.. I couldn’t even begin to relate to the thought that was put behind it.

Maybe you didn’t wanna rush and I get that but instead of making a preconceived judgment about it WITHOUT EVEN REALLY KNOWING WHAT IT’S LIKE because YOU have not experienced it, I ask that next time you take a step back and evaluate the bigger picture. Sorority life is so much more than dues, white dresses, long hair, and pretending to like people.

Ironically, the best part about the cover photo is that it’s all Alpha Chi’s. So shout out to my girls across the country from one AXO to another, LITB ;).