Although it may sound cliché, joining a sorority my freshman year of college was one of the best decisions I've ever made during my college career. Originally, I joined because I thought it would be a great way to meet new people and enjoy the social aspects that often come with college. What I didn't realize was how much I would fall in love with my sorority and my chapter because of the beautiful, intelligent, outgoing, good-natured, funny (I could go on and on), and all-around wonderful women that I am surrounded by today. It isn't the easiest thing to do, but here are the top 10 reasons why I absolutely love my sorority. And because I love "F•R•I•E•N•D•S" so much, I decided to add some gifs in to put it all in perspective.
1. I’m constantly surrounded by diversity
When I look around the chapter room on Mondays, I feel blessed to be in the presence of a group of women who all come from different backgrounds and all have different stories. Along with that, my sisters are involved in a variety of different activities outside of being in the sorority. Whether she was an orientation leader, a member of ASG, the president of a school club or involved in volunteering, there is dedication and passion behind each task. Because of this, I know that my conversation with any two girls will not be the same, and that I can ask questions about anything and know of someone who has an answer for me.
2. On Wednesdays… We wear our letters
Instead of wearing pink, we wear our letters on Wednesday. I love walking around campus and seeing a number of girls representing something that makes them happy and proud. I remember how shocked I was after the first Wednesday that I joined. All of a sudden I gained another commonality with several girls in my classes.
3. I’m supported in a variety of ways/categories
I love the various number of pages that my sorority has on Facebook that are meant to "help a sister out." Whether I need to know about a class that one of my sisters has taken in the past, am looking for a final piece of clothing to ensure that my outfit for the next day is on point, or just looking for someone to have dinner with in Benson, I know that I can always look to my sisters.
4. I've always felt that I could be myself… no matter how weird I am
I have to admit, there is no such thing as normal (otherwise the world would be a boring place), but nonetheless I know that I can be a lot to deal with sometimes when it comes to my energy and general things that I say or noises that I make. In the real world, I probably wouldn't have any friends or would have to suppress my weirdness. However, I always feel accepted for who I am by my sisters, no matter what is going on.
5. The energy behind those songs tho…
Recruitment was a fun and draining experience all in one. One of my favorite parts was singing spin-offs of popular songs, or even belting my sorority songs at the top of my lungs. Yes, we did have to sing the songs hundreds of times over the course of four to six months. However, singing them side by side with some of my favorite people is what made each round exciting.
6. We continue to prove Hollywood wrong
I'll admit, I did not have the best thoughts about Greek Life before going through recruitment. I based my thoughts on the superficial things that Hollywood had taught me. However, when I actually went through recruitment and met all of the girls that are now my sisters, I realized that Hollywood could not be more wrong. There is so much beyond the surface. As they say, you can't judge a book by its cover, nor can you judge a chapter.
7. I automatically gain several dance partners whenever music comes on
Dancing is one of my favorite activities to take part in. The great thing about being accepted for who I am is that I can carry speakers around with me no matter where I am going, and as long as my sorority sisters are present, a dance party will take place. I'm never left dancing alone or belting out lyrics. Whether in a car, on the dance floor at semi, standing outside of a hockey game waiting for the rest of the girls (this has happened), or standing in line for anything and having speakers blast music, I have a dance partner everywhere I go.
8. So many candid photo ops
'Nuff said...
9. I’ve found my home away from home
Being from Chicago, I didn't go home last year for Thanksgiving because I waited too late to buy my plane tickets. Luckily for me, my big is local and her and her amazing family invited me, and a few other sisters that were staying put for the holidays, over to their house for Thanksgiving dinner. Not only was the food amazing, but I felt at home while being 2,000-something miles away.
10. And lastly, I know that my sisters always have my back
Finally, I know that no matter what, my sisters will always have my back. Anyone could
