The most stressful time for sororities everywhere is coming up: recruitment. Even so, this is also one of the greatest and most rewarding times of the year. Every year, tons of girls will go out for Greek life. However, there is also quite a large population that feels as if it isn’t for them, mostly due to stereotypes and misconceptions about what Greek life is actually about. Greek life is less about partying and boys, and is more about:
Philanthropy
A big part of Greek life is giving back. Sororities will have a national philanthropy or two that chapters across the country will work to raise money for. This can be helping kids, animals, people with disabilities, cancer research and more. This can be something to keep in mind when deciding on which sorority you want to go out for. Statistics show that Greeks raise more than $7,000,000 nationally each year. Community service is also a part of giving back. There will be multiple events held each semester that give sisters the chance to go out and help others, including participating in a Habitat for Humanity build or helping out at a soup kitchen or animal shelter.
Academics
Being in a sorority means having to keep your GPA up. There is a minimum GPA and if you go below that, you'll receive a warning or even be put on probation until you can get it back up. But don't worry; your sisters won't hesitate to help you if you ask! They are often knowledgeable about the different resources on campus and will be willing to lend you a hand. In addition, over 70 percent of students in Greek life will graduate college in five years or less, as compared to only 50 percent of non-Greeks. The stereotype that all sorority girls are airheads couldn't be more wrong!
Leadership
There are tons of opportunities to step up and be more than just a member. Sororities have many leadership position roles available, from the executive board and chairpersons to committee members. There are more than enough positions for members to be a part of and it's often encouraged for sisters to take on these positions. In addition, sisters can also be a part of their governing council and interact with the other fraternities and sororities on campus.
Sisterhood
Of course, the most important part of joining a sorority is your sisters! The sisters in your chapter will become your best friends and your family when you're away from home. They'll be the people you turn to when you want to go get food at 2 a.m. or when you need to vent about why your professor is being completely unfair or when you just want to hang out because you have nothing else to do. But one of the most amazing things about joining a sorority is the fact that you have sisters throughout the country, and all of them experience the same rituals and traditions as you and your founders did when they created your sorority. That kind of bond is unique and special to Greek life.
You don’t have to be anything like your stereotypical sorority girl. Just be yourself, and you’ll find the group of girls that you fit in best with, and you’ll also find your new home away from home. If that sounds like something you want to be a part of, then don’t hesitate to go out for recruitment! And remember, it’s not four years—it’s for life.
