I grew up in Kalispell, Montana, where the nearest college is two hours away and has only four sororities. I didn’t even know they had Greek life until I joined. I had no idea what sororities did when I went into recruitment. I had seen some TSM posts, watched "Legally Blonde" and watched some bikini clad girls dance around in their recruitment videos. I had the stereotypical views on sororities. I thought it was a group of girls to party with, a way to get into frats and a status symbol. I didn’t think that anyone took their philanthropies seriously or that real friendships came from sororities. I definitely thought I would get pulled into some seriously caddy drama. So basically, I wasn’t even sure on the first day of recruitment that Greek life was for me. I was clueless. If you’re not raised in an area that has Greek life nearby you’re probably clueless too. With recruitment impending at schools across the nation I’ve taken it upon myself to educate those who may be as clueless as I was on what you will gain by joining a sorority.
What even is a sorority?
A sorority is a like-minded group of women. It’s a group of women who choose to join together to support each other and their community. A sorority is a base for amazing relationships, a source of support and an opportunity to grow as a person.
Why should I even join?
The biggest thing my sorority has done for me is provide a support system. While you won’t be close with every girl in your house, they’re all there for you. If I see a girl in my house on campus she waves. You usually have someone in your house to sit with in class and to help you on your homework. When you’re having a rough day going to the house and sitting in the living room at least three or four people will ask how your day is and be willing to listen and help. My sorority gave me people to eat dinner in the dining hall with, to help me with my laundry, to get me medicine when I was sick. These girls helped me figure out the basic everyday things you do in college. A sorority gives you a house full of older girls willing to help. They tell you what teachers are mean, help you avoid the bad boys, and give you the best shortcuts to get to class in five minutes flat. Other than a support system, which is my favorite part of my house, they help you be a better person. You volunteer together, you live together, you do life together. My sisters call me out when I’m being a brat. They push me to follow my dreams. A sorority is an organization of girls who wants to create a support system that incorporates their core values. My sorority gives me things to do. Whether that’s study group, movie night, chapter meeting or dinner at the house, there’s never a dull moment.
What do sororities even do?
Sororities have all kinds of organized required and optional activities. Philanthropies aren’t just something you and your sisters do together, they’re something you support other houses in doing as well. Some of my favorite memories from freshman year are volleyball tournaments, flag football games and serenades that I participated in for other chapter’s philanthropies. Sisterhoods are activities that your sorority’s leadership plans for you to enjoy. It’s time to spend with your sisters doing something fun you wouldn’t normally plan for yourselves. Raft trips, silly string fights, compliment hour, movie nights or hiking trips are activities that chapters at my school have done for sisterhoods. Most girls who join a sorority end up living in their house for at least a year. When you move into your house you become close with new people in your sorority. Living with 60 people forces you to change how you deal with people on an everyday basis.
What even is recruitment?
Recruitment is a mutual selection process that helps potential new members looking to join a sorority find the right chapter for them. Recruitment can be a long difficult process. The length and intensity of recruitment differs from school to school. For Washington State University, where I attend school, it’s a seven-day long process that over 1,000 girls participated in last year. There are different names for each day of recruitment across the country. They usually all have the same idea behind them. Day one: a quick introduction into each house. Day two: an introduction into each chapter’s philanthropy and more time with the women of the house. Day three: House tours, a way to see what it would be like if you lived in the house. Day four: Preference day, a peek into the ritual of being in a sorority. Day five: Bid Day, you’re welcomed into your new home.
Recruitment can be draining so there are a few key things to focus on. Being yourself is key. While this may sound tacky, it’s true. Don’t create a whole new personality or life for yourself that you think a sorority may like. Recruitment is about finding the best fit for you. If you’re not being yourself when push-comes to shove, you won’t be happy in your chapter. Recruitment is both mentally and physically draining, so be prepared. Get a good night’s sleep, stay hydrated and take some Vitamin-C. Ultimately at the end of recruitment, you’ll have found the house for you and it will all be worth it.
There are tons of stereotypes about sororities. You hear about hazing, drama and being pushed to go out and party. That’s not what sororities are all about. With over 100 girls together how could there not be a little bit of drama? Joining a sorority is about finding a group of women that want to support you and push you to be a better person. There’s no shame in not knowing everything about recruitment or sororities. If you’re one of those people who’s new on the Greek scene be opening to learning, be yourself and be prepared to join a chapter that changes your life.
