It happens once a semester.

Sororities and fraternities all across the country host rush parties once a semester to attract and recruit potential new members. These parties are sometimes themed, and many of them offer free food. What's not to love? Even on small campuses, there is usually a good number of Greek organizations that you can choose from. Why would someone wait so long to join a Greek organization?

You don't realize how much you belong in a Greek organization until you're given a bid.

I didn't join one until I was a junior in college. After continuously considering going to rush parties every semester, I finally went to one. Many of the members had tried convincing me to join my sophomore year, but I kind of shrugged it off. I had plenty of friends, there was really no reason for me to join this organization. The Greek organization in question is a national women's music fraternity known as Sigma Alpha Iota (Iota pronounced with a long e sound). After going to the party and finding out a bit more about the organization, I still wasn't completely sold. However, I agreed to let the organization check to see if I met the requirements to be given a bid if I was given one. I had nothing to lose if I didn't get a bid from them. Come several days later, a group of girls screaming and chanting outside of my door had come to give me a bid. I, of course, accepted it. It was at that moment I knew that I had to at least give it a shot. By the end of the semester, I was officially initiated into the Lambda Kappa chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota.

Because Sigma Alpha Iota is a national fraternity, I am able to join a local fraternity/sorority as well. Entering my senior year, I decided to try and pledge to a local sorority at my college, Lambda Sigma Phi. I was given a bid and I have accepted it. By the end of this semester, I will be a full member of both a national fraternity and a local sorority. I couldn't be happier with my decision. The only regret that I have is not doing it sooner.

To be truthful, I don't really know why I waited so long to try and join one.

Maybe it was because I didn't need a group of people I had to spend money to be friends with. Maybe it was because I thought I was too good to be in such a "cliché college girl" group. Or maybe it's because I thought I wouldn't have any time. None of those were true. I didn't go to the parties, so I didn't know what to expect. Instead of brushing off Greek organizations like I did, go to the rush and recruitment parties they have. In the end, they may not be for you and that's okay. But before you assume they aren't, go find out for yourself. Who knows, maybe you'll find a group (or two) that you really fit into like I did.