Often times, Greek life is criticized and condemned by those not a part of it because they fail to understand all of the good that comes from it. Due to a number of unfortunate recent events involving Greek organizations, it's important for those of us who are currently the faces of said organizations to work twice as hard in order to prove that the poor decisions of a few bad seeds don't accurately represent the vast majority of us. It starts by simply presenting ourselves in a respectable, mature manner and being the high-class ladies we were recruited to be. Here are the dos and don'ts in order to be a model sorority girl.
It starts by simply being involved. No one appreciates the girls who show up the first week of recruitment practice or to mandatory events that no one has even seen before. Yes, we all know a part of joining Greek life is for the parties and social activities, but that's not what matters. It's about the sisterhood. Participate in philanthropy events, join a committee, apply for a leadership position, the possibilities are endless. Just get involved in some way. You represent all of your pledge class, so try and make an impact and have your voice heard because it matters.
Also, getting involved will help you with this, but get to know your sisters. You're all bound together by similar attributes that got you into the same sorority, so chances are high that you have many things in common. I know it's hard when the pledge classes are so large, but there are so many great girls to meet. Making connections with each other is important and will allow you to build, as cheesy as it sounds, lifelong friendships. You'll be spending a significant amount of time over the course of your college career with these girls, so you might as well get to know them.
That being said, don't exclude yourself from the other sororities on campus. Each chapter has its own things to offer, and you'll find great girls in every one. Everyone is going to think their sorority is the greatest; as they should, but that doesn't mean it's okay to bad mouth others. Friendly rivalry is okay, but don't take it too far. Support another chapter's philanthropy and events they hold; you would want them to do the same for you, so why not reciprocate that back to them. It enhances the way your chapter looks as well by showing your girls are team players and want to expand their positive impact on the community past their designated philanthropy.
A huge part of how your chapter is viewed by others is through what you post on social media. Every Instagram, Facebook post, Snapchat, GroupMe, etc. is an indirect representation of whatever organization you are a part of. Keep it clean. No one wants to see a video of you singing drunk karaoke on the weekends, or a shambly Instagram picture that really should only be shown to your closest friends. Even though it's wrong, people are going to judge your entire chapter, or even an entire sorority based on the things you post because you might be the only member they know. Focus on posting positive things. It's okay to go out and have fun, just post in a way that reflects the classy behavior you would want potential and other sisters exhibiting.
It's probably been pounded into your head that you're “always wearing your letters," and when you hear it now, you probably just roll your eyes. It may seem annoying, but it's so true. Everyone is allowed to make an occasional mistake, but your overall conduct should be respectable and want to be imitated by others. If you set a good example, it's more likely that others will follow. Don't be the girl who's throwing up the ZBZ symbol during inappropriate behavior if you're a Gamma Psi just because you may dislike that sorority (there's a Greek reference for all of those who watched the show like me). You want people to come to your University and look up to you and say, “I want to be sisters with her." It's not hard. Really, I promise. As long as you keep your heels high and your morals higher, you'll likely be okay. Being a sorority girl is a privilege, wear your letters proudly and represent them well.
