Today's sorority women are some of the most criticized on every college campus. You've heard the usual run-down — we pay for our friends, we're usually hungover, we're part of a cult and we don't care about our academics. All sorority girls do is party and take a million Instagram pictures of their Starbucks, right? Wrong.
I don't know where all of these false judgments of Greek life came from, but they need a serious update. All I'm saying is if you're going to spend so much energy judging sororities, at least judge us a little more accurately. Here are the things we'd love for you to judge us for:
1. Our sisterhood
Let's take a moment to discuss these "friends we pay for." These are actually our sisters. They're the ones that bring us snacks to the library at midnight, tell us how much better off we are without the boy that hurt us last and bake three different kinds of cookies with us just because. If we need somebody, whether it's just to drive us to class when it's raining outside or to let us cry in their lap about something we've never told anyone before, our sisters act selflessly and lovingly towards us. There is no price on permanent bonds between women who will be in your wedding some day. There is no price on hundreds of girls that congratulate your accomplishments and empathize with your failures. There is no price on the love of a sister, so let's put a stop to the nonsensical notion that our bonds cost us money.
2. Our academic dedication
As members of sororities we represent the whole in everything that we do. Our educational efforts are included in this idea. The GPA that we work hard to earn is a part of our chapter's GPA. The honors societies we are a part of don't just gain our membership, but Greek representation within their society. Our organizations teach us to want the best for ourselves, and when we do that we tend to work hard on what matters. We complete study hours, we go to the library together, we congratulate each other when we get into nursing programs and internships. Why? Because our successes, as individuals and sorority women, are enormously important to us. We're a part of something greater than ourselves.
3. Our philanthropic efforts
Every sorority has a national philanthropic duty, but most also pick up local philanthropies as well. Together, Greek women are fighting breast cancer, anorexia, cystic fibrosis, hearing or vision impairments and more. We are giving children the opportunity to improve their reading skills and their confidence. We are supporting Girl Scouts. We are visiting patients in children's hospitals. We are doing good in this world. Participating in selfless philanthropic activity allows us to give back and to become humbled in the process. Women are becoming increasingly well-rounded and educated because of their hearts for service.
4. Our experience
Greek women are conducting research in other countries through study abroad. We are increasing the number of global citizens in our organizations through world travel. We are doing volunteer work weekly, marketing ourselves in the business world and dedicating ourselves to medical fields. Again, we are a part of a whole. When we gain new life experiences, our chapter and sorority at-large gain new life experiences — enhancing the Greek life experience greatly. Sorority women are bettering themselves and the world through travel, mission work and research abroad, so let's stop the talk about academic apathy and lack of drive.
No matter their letters or chapter, Greek women are worthy of your accurate judgement when it comes to their efforts in every area. These are successful, bright, and eager individuals who are bettering themselves and the world, and it's time they start being recognized as such. Let's start respecting each other and making college campuses more accepting places to thrive.
