One of the beautiful things about Odyssey is that pieces are constantly being published that I don't necessarily agree with on a personal level. Reading these types of articles that don't align with my beliefs can be a great way to open up to new perspectives on certain issues. However, there was an article published last week under the title "Why I Didn't Rush" that rattled off nearly every negative stereotype there is about sorority women, as though each member of a chapter is the exact same person with the same desire to go out each night and never spend time studying (try telling that to my sisters on the Dance Team with double majors and earned a spot on the Dean's List). Naturally, as a proud sorority woman myself, I was livid.
That said, I am also a firm believer in each person's individual decision as to whether or not they want to go through recruitment, because I know that being in a Greek organization isn't for everyone--the same way I spent high school in theatre, dance, and choir, rather than playing a sport--because sports aren't for me. Does the fact that I chose to be on stage rather than on a soccer field mean that I need (or want) to write an article about all the ways in which I'm thrilled with my superior choice? NO, it does not. That would have to be because while my decision to act, sing, and dance instead of score goals is not superior, nor is it inferior. It was right for me, but that does not make it better than any other activity, simply because I took part in it.
The vast majority of the aforementioned article took on the tone of "my choice was so much better than yours, and here's why: sorority girls are all the same, I'm not like them, I don't want to have people telling me what to do, I care too much about school, and all sorority girls do is party". In response to the numerous blatant fallacies in that article, here are the reasons why I'm beyond thrilled that I did choose to go through recruitment.
1. I was able to surround myself with people who would make me want to be the best version of myself.
My five closest friends are all girls that I met through my sorority. Each one of them is studying something else, ranging from Public Relations and Advertising to Writing Intensive English, to Civil Engineering, to Accounting, to Exercise Physiology in the Pre-Physical Therapy program--and they're all killing it in their respective fields. Three of them have all landed absolutely killer internships that they had previously only dreamed of, one of them balances Orientation Staff with an Executive Board position in our sorority, and one of them is going to graduate college with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Stories like these are remarkably common among sorority women, because we motivate one another to keep crushing it in our majors.
2. My grades improved since joining.
Remember that last point about motivating one another? I know that on any given day, I could walk into the library and see a sister sitting at a table, working her butt off to get the most out of her education. I have a vast network of sisters, and nothing is quite as reassuring as knowing if I need assistance with drafting a lesson plan, any of the girls in my chapter studying Education will give me pointers on how to improve it, or which types of activities translate better to different ages.
3. Opportunities for leadership helped improve my confidence.
Last fall, I was able to take a position in my chapter and help set up and plan one night of recruitment, which gave me a greater appreciation for all of the work that members of Exec put in order to help us be the best we can be.
4. I gained an on-campus family.
When my aunt died in May, both my big and my little took the time to check up on me throughout the week, just to see if I needed anything. They let me vent, and helped me to heal. I know that I could come to them with any problem or need to rant, and they would be there with open ears and open arms for a hug. Not all sorority families are perfect matches, but I wouldn't trade Nicole and Clara for the world.
5. I learned that it's always okay to ask for help.
I'm a naturally stubborn, driven individual, with a work ethic inherited from my parents that basically boils down to, "I'm going to do every single thing, on my own, because I can". Sometimes, that just isn't an option--when sisters reach out for assistance in planning an event or with their school work, it reiterates to me that knowing my limits is an integral part of life.
I know that being Greek is not for everyone, but do not let worries about involvement or grades deter you from deciding to go through recruitment. If you are at all on the fence, I would recommend talking to both active sorority women to get their honest opinion, and unaffiliated women alike, and then giving recruitment a try. If you decide it really is not for you, you do not have to continue on in the process--that's exactly what recruitment counselors are for. They will guide you through, and help you to make the best decision for yourself. No one will force you against your will to stay if you don't want to, but I can guarantee that active sorority women will be beyond excited to welcome you home if you decide being Greek is the way to go.
