By Lena Stone and Kaylee Crowell
Sorority life in reality is often a far cry from the media stereotypes--it's gaining a family away from home, sisters who love you, and the support of an organization that continually strives to make you a better version of yourself. Following our initiation into the UMass Amherst chapter of the Chi Omega Fraternity this past weekend, we have been reflecting on how the experience thus far has impacted not only our college experience, but our lives.
When you give a girl sorority sisters, you also give her...
1. A large support system
In our chapter, that means about 120 young women who will be there for no matter what, no matter when. In college this means more than anything. During a time of such big life transitions, having a shoulder to cry on, someone to lean on, or just someone to accompany you during a junk food binge post meltdown is one of the most beneficial things a sisterhood can provide.
2. Role models
So many older sisters embody our six purposes (friendship, high standards of personnel, sincere learning and credible scholarship, participation in campus activities, career development and community service) and are amazing women to look up to. They set such a good example for what accomplished and poised women should look like.
3. A diverse friend group
Everyone has their own lives outside of the sisterhood that makes them well-rounded, multifaceted, and diverse. From their religious and ethnic backgrounds to their other campus activities to their study abroad experiences. Each sister brings something special and unique to our sisterhood.
4. Someone to always watch her back
A sisterhood far greater than simple college friendships: you are bonded with each other, through thick and thin. When a sister is in trouble or in a vulnerable position, her other sisters are always watching out for her and making sure she is safe.
5. Different places to call home
Transitioning away from home to a college campus can be a lonely and scary process--you may not immediately feel comfortable at school even if everything is going fine on paper. Although each individual is different, Greek life has helped tremendously in making college feel like “home”: now when one of us is feeling lonely, we have the sorority house, 100 different dorm rooms, off campus houses, and endless bubble tea dates in town to cheer us up. During breaks, we have so many towns to visit and other sets of families to call our own. So even if we feel alone, we’re far from it.
6. A family at school
To those not in greek life, the whole family thing (aka little, big, grand big, etc.) may seem silly, but the bond between a little and a big and her family is so unbelievably powerful. The traditions and connection to alumni sisters through the sorority really makes you feel like a part of something bigger than yourself.
7. The tools to succeed academically
Even for those who love their majors and are committed to getting a degree, college is without a doubt much harder than high school in terms of academics. Even if you try your best, you’re bound to run into problem classes or assignments. That’s where your sisters come in--with mandatory study hours, a minimum GPA requirement, information about campus resources, and free tutors from those who have taken the class before, there’s always someone to help you out.
8. Endless room decorations and new merchandise opportunities
After big/little and initiation, you will be getting some seriously gorgeous homemade crafts from your big, and your room will look 1000% better for it. In addition, you will now want to buy every shirt possible with your sorority logo or letters on them, and wear it proudly around campus as a badge of honor.
9. A lifetime of inclusion and support
Once a sister, always a sister.
