As this summer comes to a jolting halt (or a slow and painful end, depending on your point of view), my Facebook feed is flooded with articles posted and shared out of sheer excitement for returning to school. These articles and blog posts tend to be titled things like “Why ____ is the Best Sorority in the Country,” or “Top 10 Reasons Why Everyone Wants a Bid from ______.” I love these posts too, because they give us all a chance to brag about the awesome schools we go to and the amazing organizations we’re involved in. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being proud.
The only problem, of course, is that there can’t be 100 “best sorority” titles in America. So the ultimate question is: which sorority is the best in the United States?
Answer: There isn’t one (sorry if you didn’t see that coming).
Here’s the thing: each individual chooses whether or not to be a part of Greek Life based on their own interests, values, and expectations. If they happen to make the decision to be apart of Greek Life, they choose their house based on those same interests, values, and expectations.
Above: Kappa Delta, Gamma Gamma Chapter, High Point University.
Phi Sigma Rho, Alpha Delta Chapter, Michigan State University.
Each sorority has members that make it unique. I was once told, “the letters don’t make you; you make the letters.” I thought it sounded cliché at the time, but now I understand that it’s true. I’m still relatively new to Greek Life, but I can already tell that every single house has a lot to offer.
When you were younger and your teachers and family told you that you were different and special, they weren’t lying. You are living your own life and telling your own unique story, so as long as the decisions you make are based on what makes you happy, don’t let anyone make you second guess them.
Just to be clear, though, I’m not saying that the individuals who write or share articles that are bursting with spirit are wrong. If anything, I admire them for their passion because being proud is awesome. As you go along your own journey, just remember that it’s not a competition. As long as you’re happy where you are, other peoples’ perceptions of your life aren’t important.
Kappa Delta members, Zeta Epsilon Chapter, University of Kansas
Kappa Kappa Gamma, Mu Chapter, Butler University.
There is no such thing as the “Best Sorority in America.” There is no master list that accurately validates the hotness or intelligence of all the sororities in America. More importantly, no single sorority is better than another. They’re just different. If your sorority is the best in your own eyes, that’s what truly matters.
Zeta Tau Alpha, Gamma Omicron Chapter, Central Michigan University.
Kappa Alpha Theta, Gamma Chapter, Butler University.
**Special thanks to: Kylie Gunderson, Ellie Abbick, Kimi Downing, Kayla Akey, Christina DiMaggio, Courtney Kingston, Sasha Scott, Molly Adams, Libby Moyer, and Ali Gough for the photos.
