Joining a sorority is so much more than what you see on the surface. When people look at you in your letters, sometimes they only see the stereotypes and negative associations that are connoted with greek life. It's sad that stories have created a dark stigma for a community that really promotes so many positive characteristics within its members. Here are some things you'll know if you are in a sorority.
1. Your philanthropy really means a lot to you.
It might have been a big reason you chose that sorority to begin with. You work hard with your chapter to raise money to help whichever charity or foundation your sorority is tied with. All the time and effort you spend trying to raise that money not only makes you passionate about that cause, but it bonds you and your sisters even further than could be imaged.
2. Your Big is your other half.
Maybe it seems a little silly to other people to feel such a connection with another girl who you couldn't have known very long, but it's a bond that I cherish every day. My Big has been there for me through some of the hardest times. They put so much thought into big little week and all the surprises, and we are always there to lend an ear, a hug, or encouragement whenever we need them, and vice-versa. I don't think I would have made it through some of the hardest parts of this year without my Big.
3. You look forward to recruitment.
It's incredible to share in the experience of a sorority with the girls who are already a part of your sisterhood, but getting new members is always exciting. You can't wait to share the love and passion you have for your sorority with other people. During recruitment, you hope to extend that joy to them so they see what your chapter is really about. If you don't already have a little, you hope that you find the girl who is meant to bond with you on a whole other level in that new group of girls!
4. Your pledge class bonds exceed all others.
Those are the girls you spent 9-12 weeks with. You did everything together. You cried in the library bathroom with one another, tackled impossible homework assignments with their support, and went through the new member process together. They're probably the people in your chapter you spent the most time with. That isn't something to take lightly. Those girls have become your sister in almost every meaning of the word.
5. People are surprised when you do well academically.
A lot of people think, "Oh, she's in a sorority. She doesn't care about school". I can tell you from personal experience that is the least accurate statement one could make. All the girls in my chapter strive toward achieving the highest academic standards their own capabilities will allow them to reach. We even have academic standards we have to uphold. We are honor society members, straight A students, researchers! We care about our grades and our academic success. Don't place labels on us without getting to know us first.
6. You'll always have a strong support system.
Maybe your biological family isn't as close with you as you would like. Or maybe your regular friends or roommates can't make it to your sporting or musical events.When you're in Greek Life, that all changes. You have so many girls who would love to be there to support you and cheer you on in any of your endeavors. When you look into the crowd, you're guaranteed to see at least 10 girls there, waving at you with big smiles. That can make all the difference.
7. You feel connected to all of Greek Life, wherever you go.
Even though there are so many different chapters of sororities and fraternities, you still feel an immediate connection to someone when you see them in letters. You all went through a process that helped you grow and learn so much more than you could have if you didn't go through that new member process. You know they value time management, charity, and seeing their sisters or brothers succeed as much as you do. Regardless of your letters, you share the Greek Life experience, and know that they share some of your values because they made the decision to go through recruitment, just as you did.
All that being said, don't knock "sorority girls." Don't give us negative labels because you believe that the Hollywood movies which paint us as bimbos who don't care about school are accurate. Chapters have academic standards to meet. We're philanthropic and constantly giving back to local and broad communities. We're compassionate, loving, determined, leaders, and friendly! Give us a chance, get to know us. We are more than letters on a shirt. I think you'd be surprised to find that we aren't what you'd assume at a first glance.
