"Legally Blonde", "The House Bunny", "Neighbors"—all leading contributors to the stereotype of a sorority girl. Although, speaking for myself, I can honestly say I never let any of these films factor into my decision to go Greek. I made my decision based only on what I personally wanted to experience in college. Greek life felt like the perfect organization for me to join in order to get involved on campus and allow me to walk across stage in four years feeling like I did college right.
Going through the recruitment process was something I had always looked forward to: the chance to meet all of the sororities and then run out to your new home at the end of the week. I must say, though, recruitment was stressful. In my case, there are only four sororities at my school and only 3 nights of recruitment. As a PNM (potential new member) in the recruitment process, you go through several rounds and essentially only talk about yourself and your goals in order for the sorority to decide how well you will bond with their sisterhood. You also will learn more and more about each sorority, its philanthropy, and sisterhood, as the days go on. Each round feels like such a short amount of time, so you must use your time wisely.
After some of the most stressful days I’ve been through since starting college, bid day was finally there. I could not wait to see what sorority I would be welcomed into as I anxiously sat with a closed envelope in front of me. “Three, two, one!” and the ripping of the envelopes began. I could not contain my excitement while reading the name of the sorority that had been my top choice all of recruitment, printed in scripted font across a card, presenting me with my official bid. Laughter, cheers, hugs and chatter ensued throughout the auditorium we were in. We all put on our new shirts, the same ones our new sisters would be wearing as they anxiously awaited to welcome us into their sisterhood.
We then all formed lines in front of the auditorium doors, one line for each sorority. Then one girl from each sorority would run to be welcomed into their new home. Standing in line, me, my roommate and some of the new friends I had made through the recruitment process all shared smiles and hugs knowing we were all now sisters for life. The director of Greek life on campus finally opened the doors and one by one we ran out to our new sorority.
It was finally my turn and as tears welled up in my eyes I took off running. One of the first girls I ever talked to in the sorority was standing there with open arms ready to hug me. The biggest smile came across my face as I ran up and hugged her. I then ran to the other girls where they welcomed me as well. I was then covered in glitter and went a little overboard on picture taking (okay, yes, maybe those are the only stereotypes that have some truth to them). Overall, it was the best feeling. The feeling of relief and the feeling of happiness all at the same time because I knew I had found my forever home and the girls who would be my sisters forever.
My point in writing this article is to inform high school girls and even college girls who are still contemplating joining greek life, how I felt during the whole process of becoming an official sorority member. Yes, it is a stressful process, but, in the end, it is completely worth it. And all of the stereotypes the media is constantly feeding you about what a sorority girl is; don’t listen to them. Joining a sorority is one of the best decisions I've made since entering college. I have a home away from home, I have a bond to share with 54 other girls, and I have become a part of something bigger than myself. Greek life isn’t for everyone, but I know it was for me and I hope it can be for you too.
