I am just a fraternity girl in a sorority world

Just the other day my professor asked me if I was doing anything fun this weekend. And I replied “yes I am being initiated in the pre-law fraternity here on campus.” My professor looked at me as if I had three heads and was quick to respond “don’t you mean sorority?” Believe it or not, I was expecting this response because it is the same response that I received from everyone when I told them I was joining the pre-law fraternity. I just simply say no I do not mean sorority, I am in a fraternity. Yes it is co-ed and yes I am considered a brother. I didn’t think it would be out of the norm for me to join a fraternity to the point where I had to explain myself to family and friends. But regardless, of what is the norm is, I am here to explain what it is like being in a pre professional fraternity because often times people overlook the pre professional fraternities. There are so many benefits to joining a professional fraternity and I am proud to finally a Phi Alpha Delta brother.

My journey to joining Phi Alpha Delta (PAD) began when I first came to college. I knew once I came to college, I wanted to be part of greek life social sororities but I was not sure if greek social life wanted me to be in it. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the concept of sororities. The events, the cute clothes, the sisterhood community was all appealing to me, but I realized that they weren’t a fit for me. It wasn’t until the second semester of Freshman year where I began my journey with PAD.

I remember going to the first meeting to rush PAD and listening to the board members speak. You know that feeling of excitement when you know something is the right fit for you and you want nothing more than to be a part of it? That is how I felt when I went to the first meeting of PAD. I knew I was able to make a connection with the brothers already in the fraternity in some way. What drew me in the most was that all of them, to some extent, were law nerds just like me.

The new member process was bit rigorous but worth it. As a new member we had to write case briefs, attend new membership classes that helped us prepare for moot court and go on brother dates. Brother dates and new member dates were probably the best part of the new membership process. Not only was it a way for us to get to know some of the brothers and the new members in our pledge class, but it was a way for us to find our Big for Big Little Week or as we call it "Partner and Associates." Yes, we have Big/Little week just like all the other social greek organizations. Though we had to meet with a lot of the brothers in a certain period of time, it was worth it. In the end, not only did I get to be a part of such an amazing family, but I got to meet two incredible people who I was able to connect with so easily. One of which is my twin in the fraternity and the other who is currently my Big. Both are truly amazing and I couldn’t ask for better people to fulfill that role.

Aside from meeting the members of the fraternity, my favorite part of joining Phi Alpha Delta was being a part of our philanthropy project. This year, Phi Alpha Delta decided to partner with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and helped raise money for deserving children. Though the process of planning and implementing the actual event was a lot to handle at once, I had the oppurtunity to meet such incredible, hard working people who were able to plan this event in it's entirety. I don't mean to sound cliche when I say this, but not all heroes wear capes. The people who were a part of the planning, implementation, and making everything happen are the real heroes of this event because they were extremely dedicated and gave it their 110%. In the end, we were very successful in raising $1,700 for our first time!

Some of the other benefits to joining a professional fraternity is the amount of connections that you are able to make especially if you want to pursue law school or any other school after the undergraduate level. For me, joining PAD was beneficial because the connections to discounted LSAT courses helped me since I will soon be taking the LSAT’s. In addition to the courses, PAD offers different workshops that help with writing personal statements as well as other requirements to assist in the law school process. The coolest thing about being a part of PAD is being able to talk about the history of it and who past brothers were. Some past brothers include Ruther Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor Joe Biden, both Clintons and so many more! I mean, who wouldn’t want to brag that they are a brother to the baes of the Supreme Court Sotomayor and RBG!

I can go on and on about talking about the benefits professional fraternities have because there are so many other benefits in joining a professional fraternity. But often times they are overlooked because they are seen as different from the other social organizations on campuses. But in reality, we are not that much different from other greek life organizations. For me, joining a professional fraternity was the best decision of my life. I am able to connect with so many people in the fraternity who share similar interests as me and at the same time improve my level of professionalism. At the end of the day, I did not only joined a fraternity, but I joined a family.