When I first joined a sorority, my friends laughed at me. They were confused as to why I joined because I was so against it before. I still can't believe that I joined a sorority. But to this day, I still consider it one of the best decisions I have ever made.
So, you think you're not right for a sorority. You've heard all the stereotypes, you think you know all you need to know. Well, I'm here to confront those stereotypes, and tell you what I've learned since I joined a sorority.
Sororities aren't for everyone. But they are inclusive.
Being in a sorority is great, you make so many new friends all the time. You become close with people in your chapter, people in other chapters, and so many more people that you meet through these connections. No two people in any sorority are exactly alike. That's what makes sororities so great. It's just a great group of different girls that somehow manage to completely click with each other.
You're not paying for your friends. You're paying for your experiences.
If everyone had the mentality that you're "paying for your friends" then everyone everywhere would be paying for their friends. Think about it like this: you pay to go to college, so any friends you make there, you are paying for. So what makes a sorority different? Nothing. You're paying for socials, sisterhoods, and a lot of other fun events.
The friendships are real.
Despite what people may tell you about sorority girls being "fake." They are far from that (for the most part...let's be honest, fake people do exist unfortunately). Being in a sorority gives you the opportunity to meet new people. All that Greek life is is a common connection. You bond through the fact that you're a part of the same organization. And the best part about it is that when you do have that common connection you instantly get past the awkward first conversation. You just instantly get into talking and acting like sisters, because you are!
You don't have to like monograms, Starbucks or anything like that.
I don't drink coffee and I have nothing with a monogram on it. People love to talk about how basic sorority girls are. But no two girls that I've met have been exactly the same. There's nothing that you have to like, you're allowed to like whatever it is you like. If you join the right sorority you won't have to change anything about yourself. If anything--I hope-- you only become a better person.
How much you party is a personal choice.
First things first, chapters do have date parties. You invite a date go to a bar and have a fun--and might I add, supervised-- night. Joining Greek life has had no affect on my personal decisions to party. Whether or not you party and how often is completely a personal decision.
You can have friends outside of your chapter and non-affiliated friends.
My two future roommates are non affiliated. And I can say for a fact that I have at least two friends in every chapter at my school, and I know girls in my chapter that have even more than that. I love the girls in my chapter as much as I love the people that I've met outside of my chapter.
I have met my future bridesmaids. I have met my person. I have made the most incredible friends. The girls that I have met in my sorority have become the best people that I have ever met. I trusted these girls faster than anyone else in my entire life. I never thought that I was meant for a sorority but I thank God every day that I gave it a chance.
Join a sorority for your own reasons. But don't cut yourself off from an incredible life changing decision because of the stereotypes. You might think that a sorority is not right for you, but then again it might be completely right for you.