It’s Tuesday at 10:15 AM, and my first class of the day starts in five minutes. I run out the door, taking the stairs down two at a time, not bothering with the elevator. As I sprint outside, I wave good morning to one of my sisters who is working the front desk, and then fall into step with another sister, chatting about schoolwork, on the walk to class. As we get to the quad, a group of a few more sisters shout our names from across the grassy expanse, all wearing letters proudly displayed across their chests. Getting to class, I slide into my seat just in time, and another of my sisters taps me on the shoulder from where she sits behind me, smiling as she hands me the attendence sheet. Later, during a break between classes, I check Snapchat to find a picture my Big has sent me from London, where she is studying abroad. After responding, I check Facebook, and find one of my sisters has posted several pictures from the philanthropy event we did last week. Smiling, I then text another sister, wondering if she wants to grab coffee and study somewhere.
In these small ways, I am always surrounded by my sisters, bonded through the Greek organization that we are all a part of. Whenever I need, I always have girls to lean on, or just to chat to. I have a constant network of amazing women.
However, this time last year, and really for my entire life prior to that point, I never for a second thought I would join a sorority. Growing up in Austin, TX only a few miles from the center of campus at the University of Texas, sororities were very different from those at AU. In the South (though Austin itself can be considered a bit of an exception), Greek life is huge. My friends from high school who went through recruitment at a Texan or another Southern school all prepared for months in advance. They got reccomendations from women in various chapters, worked out obsessively, and picked out their outfits for rush with the calculation of someone preparing to do battle. In some ways, they were. Recruitment in the South, from all reports I’ve heard, is cut throat, and many times boils down to how you look and who you know as the basis for whether or not you make it into Greek life.
While I have a history of Greek life in my family (my grandmother went to Ol’ Miss and was a Tri Delt), the experience of rush at a big state school anywhere in the vicinity of Austin was not something that appealed to me. Thus, when I came to AU, I virtually ignored the various Greek organizations for almost my first semester here. I assumed based on my upbringing that they would be fake, preppy, and generally exactly like the classic Hollywood rendering of a stereotypical sorority. In fact, I had such strong blinders on that were it not for one of my close friends from my freshman year floor, I probably wouldn’t have gone through recruitment. It was one night last November that she convinced me, as she was signing up for sorority recruitment, that I should give it a chance. That I should just sign up and see what happened, and to put my ingrained prejudices against Greek life to the side for a few days.
Thus, I signed up for rush, with the full intent of dropping at any time if I didn’t feel like I belonged in the process. I bought a few dresses over Winter Break, and chatted with my friends already in sororites at other schools to get some tips about rush, something they were astonished to hear me asking, since I had previously been very vocal about my dislike for Greek life. However, to my astonishment, once the process began over MLK weekend, I felt, despite the grindingly long days of chatting with different girls, that I was where I needed to be. Never at any point once recruitment began did I consider dropping, since each day, as I narrowed down the possible Greek organizations I wanted to join, I talked to more and more girls who seemed like they were exactly what I was looking for in a sisterhood. They were intelligent, genuinely friendly, down-to-earth girls, none of which were qualities that I had previously associated with Greek life.
It wasn’t until Preference Round though (which is the final day of rush) that I was completely sold on the idea of joining a Greek organization. At the second of the two parties I attended that day, I cried. Truly. I don’t easily cry, and the fact that this occured during rush was something I still can’t quite understand to this day. I simply felt during this party that I belonged, completely and totally, as part of this group of girls, and that these girls were genuine, amazing people who somehow already felt like family. Not surprisingly, when I got a bid to join this sorority later that night, I was elated, and happily accepted it. I felt like I had really found my place.
Now, nine months later, I could not be prouder to be a member of Phi Mu. I wear letters to class, often carry bags with letters stitched on, and brag about my sorority to one and all. I look forward to events, such as those for our philanthrophy, or those such as Semi-Formal, which is quickly approaching. I also look forward to just seeing my sisters, of which I now have over at hundred (at least at AU), around campus, chatting and eating lunch. I have a family that encompasses all of campus now, not just my freshman floor, something I was missing before I joined Greek life.
That being said, I am still very close to my friends outside of Greek life, and I see them the same amount that I see those in Phi Mu. They are just as happy not being in Greek life as I am being a part of it, and that is something I love about AU. In the South, going Greek pretty much means that all of your friends will be part of this system, and it’s difficult to move outside that bubble. At AU, Greek life is more like a very close-knit family, and just like any family, we all have interests outside of the sorority. We lead our own lives, but are always together in spirit.
Not for a moment do I regret rushing. For those reading this article who are considering it who, just like I was, are suspicious of all the Greek life entails, I encourage you to sign up. The worst that could happen is that you will drop halfway through, and continue with the amazing life you already had. For those that don’t drop and end up joining a Greek organization, though, you will find a group of girls who you feel are most like you, and who you can share your college experience with, girls that you will stay in contact with for the rest of your life. The group that I found was Phi Mu, but every girl will be different, and will hopefully find themselves in the group that feels most like home. Take every chance that comes your way, such as rushing, because otherwise you may feel like you have missed out on something very special. Live with no regrets.
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FAQs
Why are you interested in joining a sorority?
You’ll receive leadership opportunities. Some of us prefer to lead the group, while others would rather work behind the scenes?both are essential. Joining a sorority allows you to gain valuable skills and experience with all aspects of leadership.5 thg 8, 2022
What to say when asked why do you want to join a fraternity?
Eight Reasons to Join a Fraternity
- Life-long relationships. While you’re not paying for friends, that doesn’t mean you don’t have deep friendships. …
- Professional Development. …
- Leadership Development. …
- Academic Assistance. …
- Social Opportunities. …
- Alumni relations. …
- Philanthropy. …
- Tradition.
What is the main purpose of a sorority?
What is a Sorority, Exactly? A sorority is an organization on a college campus whose purpose is to foster friendship and community, among other things. Women join a sorority, and men join a fraternity. There are chapters of Greek life spread around universities in both the U.S. and Canada.
What does being in a sorority teach you?
A sorority teaches you to keep your promises and strive at all times for the best interest of the organization. This obligation, which can be seen through employees and employers in the corporate world, is an important lesson to abide by. Organizations pride themselves on teamwork and leadership growth potential.24 thg 4, 2017
What is the most important benefit of joining a sorority?
Forming Close Bonds. Not only can you have plenty of friends as a sorority member, but you’ll often form deeper friendships. Sisters support each other and work together, so it’s easier to find women with similar interests and values inside a sorority. This is especially important on large campuses!
How do you tell a sorority you are interested?
Discreetly ask the women you know (family, church members, teachers, coaches, etc.) if they are sorority alumnae, and if they are, tell them that you are interested in going through recruitment at your school and ask for any help or advice they can provide.
How do sororities help your future?
Members have the opportunity to have their views challenged and learn more about the world. These new interactions help create well-rounded members who are more caring and empathetic toward others. It also prepares them for a career full of meeting new people with diverse perspectives.
Why I Joined a Sorority | Education – Vocal Media
Why I Joined a SororityI never in my life would’ve thought I’d have joined a sorority. I grew up with three brothers, I played basketball and worked out, I watched Will Ferrell movies and can out-burp anyone I know. So how did I end up in a sorority?I started university in Ottawa, just a naïve girl trying to figure out how to live in a city. I didn’t even know there were sororities in Canada, let alone on my campus. My roommate comes home one day with a bunch of pamphlets, calendars, and business cards from sororities. We decided “why not check it out, could be fun.” We didn’t do any research or anything, so we went to this one sorority event with no idea even what a sorority was or who this one was. The event was awful, awkward, and forced—so we didn’t go back. We instead went to a party with a different sorority and that’s where the story really begins.Something just clicked with this sorority. It’s not even explainable, you just know it’s something you want to be apart of. So here I am four years later, almost alumni and a current executive member—never have I been happier by any other decision I’ve made in the past four years. It’s given me so much more than I could’ve ever imagined when I first walked into that party. It changed me so much, but in the best ways possible. For starters it gave me the most amazing support system, you can’t find anywhere else. I made friends I will have forever, that will be at my wedding and my baby showers. I met people I never would’ve met if I didn’t join a sorority. I discovered who I was, I became more confident, strong-willed, disciplined, organized and thoughtful. I stopped letting people walk all over me. I learned to let go and be free. I learned to love myself and love others unconditionally. Joining a sorority is so much more than chants, poems, monogrammed sweaters and Instagram photos—it’s having the worst day of your life and having an army of girls ready to back you up, it’s celebrating your accomplishments with the people who saw the blood, sweat and tears you put into it. It’s the sense of security you get knowing no matter how many mistakes you make, you have people who are there for you unconditionally and just want to help you succeed. It also gave me such a wide network. Not only did I get an army of amazing sisters, but I made relationships with other frat boys and sorority girls. We’re all in it for the same reasons and no organization is better than another. I go to participate in events and meet people I never ever would’ve met without being in a sorority. I made memories I could’ve have even dreamt of before joining a sorority.No, I didn’t pay for my friends. I paid for the amazing events and experiences I get with my friends, so don’t even go there. College can be scary and intimidating—but branching out and getting involved is so important whether it be in sorority or fraternity or another club on campus. Find your niche, wherever that may be. Don’t think you’re not cool enough or girls enough for a sorority, there’s no cookie-cutter sorority girl. Don’t believe what you see in the movies. This tom-boy somehow did it and so can you, so let loose, have fun and enjoy the most amazing four years of your life.
The Top 13 Reasons to Join a Sorority – GreekU
The Top 13 Reasons to Join a Sorority Heading off to college is one of the biggest events in your adult life. You’ll be away from home in a brand-new place without knowing a lot (or any) people. If you’re looking for a way to make instant friends, you might consider joining a sorority. If you find yourself asking, “Why do I want to join a sorority?”, consider this answer: joining a sorority is a way to enhance your college experience and make your college life a lot more fun and fulfilling, even as a freshman. But we know what you’re thinking: what are the reasons to join a sorority if it’s all about partying and wearing matching outfits? The stereotypes of sororities have some truth behind them because there are enjoyable parties and matching outfits (which are fun). But there’s so much more to joining a top sorority. Check out these 13 reasons why you should join a sorority when you go to college. 1. Long-Lasting Friendships One of the first reasons to join a sorority is that you’ll gain hundreds of sisters within your campus’ chapter, other schools’ chapters and alumni around the world. You instantly create a huge family on-campus and across the globe. Talk about never being lonely again! Going to college without a good support system or a group of friends is hard to deal with emotionally. While you will make friends in other ways, joining a sorority will connect you with a large group of people that share common interests and values. When wondering why to join a sorority, becoming part of the sisterhood makes it easy to make friends and have support, even as a new kid on campus. Most friendships you make in Greek life will last a lifetime. It’s not uncommon to see people have their sister or even their Big as their maid of honor at their wedding. If you’re without a strong friend group and asking yourself, “Should I join a sorority?”, we hope this convinces you. But this isn’t the only reason why you should consider joining a sorority. There are other benefits as well! 2. Connections on Campus Not only will you make friends when you join a sorority, you’ll also make connections. Sororities can have hundreds of girls in them – even in just one campus’ chapter – so there’s no way you’re going to be best friends with everyone. But all of those people are going to be involved in different things and organizations at your school, which will give you excellent connections to whatever you want to pursue. Thinking about working in a research lab? Chances are one of your sisters works in one or knows someone who does. Need a campus job? Ask your sisters where they work and if they can put in a good word for you. Want to join a certain club? There’s a good chance one of your sisters is in it, or at least knows someone who is. These connections may be just what you need to get a step ahead in your college career, which could also benefit the rest of your life. Joining a sorority is a small step to take to set yourself up for potential future success. 3. Meet New and Diverse People With so many girls in a sorority, you’re bound to meet diverse people from a variety of different backgrounds. You’ll meet people from different states and even different countries just by joining a sorority. Moving from your hometown to a larger, and much different, college environment will throw you together with all sorts of people you probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. Joining a sorority makes it easier to meet these new people who you might not have met without rushing or joining. 4. Networking We’ve talked a lot about connections…
Why I Joined a Sorority-and Why I Never Thought I Would
Why I Joined a Sorority-and Why I Never Thought I Would | Her Campus It’s Tuesday at 10:15 AM, and my first class of the day starts in five minutes. I run out the door, taking the stairs down two at a time, not bothering with the elevator. As I sprint outside, I wave good morning to one of my sisters who is working the front desk, and then fall into step with another sister, chatting about schoolwork, on the walk to class. As we get to the quad, a group of a few more sisters shout our names from across the grassy expanse, all wearing letters proudly displayed across their chests. Getting to class, I slide into my seat just in time, and another of my sisters taps me on the shoulder from where she sits behind me, smiling as she hands me the attendence sheet. Later, during a break between classes, I check Snapchat to find a picture my Big has sent me from London, where she is studying abroad. After responding, I check Facebook, and find one of my sisters has posted several pictures from the philanthropy event we did last week. Smiling, I then text another sister, wondering if she wants to grab coffee and study somewhere. In these small ways, I am always surrounded by my sisters, bonded through the Greek organization that we are all a part of. Whenever I need, I always have girls to lean on, or just to chat to. I have a constant network of amazing women.However, this time last year, and really for my entire life prior to that point, I never for a second thought I would join a sorority. Growing up in Austin, TX only a few miles from the center of campus at the University of Texas, sororities were very different from those at AU. In the South (though Austin itself can be considered a bit of an exception), Greek life is huge. My friends from high school who went through recruitment at a Texan or another Southern school all prepared for months in advance. They got reccomendations from women in various chapters, worked out obsessively, and picked out their outfits for rush with the calculation of someone preparing to do battle. In some ways, they were. Recruitment in the South, from all reports I’ve heard, is cut throat, and many times boils down to how you look and who you know as the basis for whether or not you make it into Greek life. While I have a history of Greek life in my family (my grandmother went to Ol’ Miss and was a Tri Delt), the experience of rush at a big state school anywhere in the vicinity of Austin was not something that appealed to me. Thus, when I came to AU, I virtually ignored the various Greek organizations for almost my first semester here. I assumed based on my upbringing that they would be fake, preppy, and generally exactly like the classic Hollywood rendering of a stereotypical sorority. In fact, I had such strong blinders on that were it not for one of my close friends from my freshman year floor, I probably wouldn’t have gone through recruitment. It was one night last November that she convinced me, as she was signing up for sorority recruitment, that I should give it a chance. That I should just sign up and see what happened, and to put my ingrained prejudices against Greek life to the side for a few days. Thus, I signed up for rush, with the full intent of dropping at any time if I didn’t feel like I belonged in the process. I bought a few dresses over Winter Break, and chatted with my friends already in sororites at other schools to get some tips about rush, something they were astonished to hear me asking, since I had previously been very vocal about my dislike for Greek life. However, to my astonishment, once the process began over MLK weekend, I felt, despite the grindingly long days of chatting with different girls, that I was where I needed…
The Truth Behind Why I Chose My Sisterhood Starts With …
The Truth Behind Why I Chose My Sisterhood Starts With Bowling in TutusHome » Latest Posts » The Truth Behind Why I Chose My Sisterhood Starts With Bowling in TutusWhen I was told I was going to be giving the preference night speech for my sorority, I didn’t initially know what to say. Kappa meant so much to me throughout my college experience. Strong emotions are difficult to put into words; this was no exception. How does one select the right words from our limited vocabulary and arrange them into sentences that evoke the true meaning of an experience? I’m still not sure my speech did my feelings justice, or that it made people “Go Kappa” for that matte. If you’re wondering why I went Kappa, keep reading. Kelsey Llewellyn Preparing to give this speech brought me back to my first day as a Kappa. After a week of smiling, name tags and 100-degree weather, I was tired and sweaty. But more than anything, I was incredibly excited. I was also more than a little nervous, half because I was about to get to know my sisters and half because on the morning of bid day I discovered that the entire chapter was going bowling. Now, I have nothing against bowling. In fact, I bowl frequently on Wii Sports. But holding a Wii remote is a lot easier than a bowling ball, so I was a little nervous that my Wii techniques wouldn’t hold up in real life. On the ride to the alley, I forgot about my nerves for a while as I talked to other new members who would end up becoming some of my best friends. But, as soon as we entered the alley, and sisters poured out of cars dripping in glitter and rocking bright blue tutus, I knew it was time for the moment of truth. I swung my ball back, took a deep breath and landed one of the all-time most spectacular gutter balls. I anticipated looks of disappoint from my sisters. Instead, I was greeted with high-fives and encouragement. At that moment, I got my first glimpse of the sisterhood that awaited me at Kappa Kappa Gamma. I know that story isn’t a tearjerker. I didn’t want to tell a sad story because joining Kappa has made me happier than just about anything else. That’s not to say that sad stuff doesn’t happen. We all know that it does. But, the Kappa sisterhood won’t make you cry, unless you’re crying from laughter. Instead, our sisterhood supports you through those tears or embarrassing moments or stressful times. The second I joined Kappa, I no longer faced those inevitable moments alone. I now faced them more confidently than before with a team of friends cheering me on. While the daily support Kappas show each other speaks volumes about our sisterhood, my friends have helped me through my less-than-cute moments too. One month after bid day, when I was bedridden with Bronchitis, my sisters hand-delivered me a heaping bowl of chocolate mousse to remind me I wouldn’t be sick forever. How about two years later? I distinctly remember reading furiously in the Kappa study for upcoming tests at 4 a.m., my bloodstream mostly composed of caffeinated beverages. As before, I was not alone. At the desk across the room sat my best friends, in matching groutfits, furiously reading as well. While we may have forgotten which classes we were studying for (and likely every fact we crammed into our sleep-deprived brains), we will most certainly never forget those mornings. Tonight you’ll make a special decision, and though I hope you’ve already decided to go Kappa, I also understand that many of you may be torn. So, I want to paint a picture of Kappa for you that you can’t find on our Instagram feed or in the composites in the house. I want to show you something real. In Kappa, I’ve met friends that transform mundane moments into hilarious memories, that turn stressful situations into opportunities for laughter and that support me no matter…
10 Reasons To Join A Sorority – Pi Beta Phi
10 Reasons To Join A Sorority Whether you’re an incoming freshman or considering recruitment as a returning student, you might be wondering if sorority life is for you. We outlined 10 reasons why joining sorority life might be the right choice for you. 1. You’ll join a community of like-minded women. Sorority membership provides a community of women who share similar values, goals and aspirations. These women will support you as you navigate your collegiate experience. 2. You’ll participate in service opportunities. Every sorority has their own philanthropic cause that they support on their campus and within their community. These services provide an opportunity to give back and fulfill each sister’s unique passion. 3. You’ll receive leadership opportunities. Some of us prefer to lead the group, while others would rather work behind the scenes—both are essential. Joining a sorority allows you to gain valuable skills and experience with all aspects of leadership. 4. You’ll find a sense of belonging. Finding a place to call home is not always easy. Through sorority life, you will meet women who want to know YOU. No matter who you are, the women you meet will welcome you with open arms and celebrate your individuality. Photo credit: @piphibaylor 5. You’ll receive academic support. Within your sorority, you’ll meet members following a similar academic path. Whether you need a study buddy, help signing up for courses or guidance in your professional endeavors, your sisters are there for you. 6. You’ll make your voice heard. When women come together and raise their voices, they make an impact. Whether you’re pushing for change on a small or large scale, no voice goes left unheard when you have a community of women on your side. 7. You’ll gain campus connections. Sorority women are involved in many different organizations and clubs. Connect with your sisters to get more involved on campus and see what’s out there for you! 8. You’ll have accountability. No matter what you’re going through, sorority women are there to cheer you on. Whether you need some words of encouragement or someone to keep you on track, your sisters always have your best interest at heart. Photo credit: @lsupibetaphi 9. You’ll have access to a network of women. The relationships you build from your sorority experience can open doors to new opportunities, both professionally and personally. Your membership provides an instant connection with members all around the world. 10. You’ll join a sisterhood. Joining a sorority means joining a community of dedicated, supportive and empowered women for life. From the moment you meet to reconnecting years later, every moment will be more special with your sisters by your side. For more information and to register for sorority recruitment on your campus, visit The Sorority Life. Published August 5, 2022
Feeling Welcomed in My Sorority Through Ritual and Building …
Feeling Welcomed in My Sorority Through Ritual and Building Relationships Blog CategoriesCitizenship & ServiceFreedom of AssociationHealth & SafetyLeadership & EmpowermentScholarshipSisterhoodWomen’s-Only Experience A few short years ago, I was highly skeptical of sororities. I was extremely proud of not being “like other girls” and didn’t see myself reflected in my stereotypical idea of a “sorority girl.” I was definitely a nerd, I didn’t understand fashion or makeup and my appearance often fluctuated from halfheartedly feminine to somewhat androgynous. I spent my high school years as an uptight speech and debate champion and thought I was better than everyone. When I was choosing a college, I was set on recreating “the best four years of my life” high school experience by going to a college with a nationally recognized speech and debate team. I imagined myself traveling the country to write intellectual think pieces and winning shiny trophies. I was disappointed to find that the reality of my freshman year was a little different. I spent the year in an on-again, off-again relationship with the speech and debate team because I was trying too hard to fit into their boxes, and I had to bend over backward to make friends. When I finally realized how miserable it was making me, quitting the team was a difficult decision because I thought that was the place for me. Searching for an Organization With Goals and Values In high school, I never had a dull moment as I was always a captain of something, a president of something, a leader. I tried to join a few college clubs that sounded fun, but they were too casual for what I wanted. They only met a couple of times a month and the members did not really share common goals or values. When I reunited with my high school friends and told them my big college plans had fallen flat, they gushed about their sorority experiences. Confused and still skeptical, I agreed to take their word for it and give it a shot. I figured I would make a few friends, have fun playing pretend and taking cute Instagram pictures for a few weeks, then drop just to say I had the experience. If I am being honest, part of me was secretly hoping I would fall in love with it. As an only child, I craved a sisterhood, and what my friends described sounded like exactly what I was looking for – leadership, a full schedule, shared goals and values and women supporting women. After receiving my bid, the first aspect of sorority life I connected with was my organization’s ritual. I always listened closely when our president read from the ritual book. I took note of how our values were immersed in each part of our ritual and how each ceremony fit with the next like pieces of a puzzle. When I took my initiation vows, I sincerely wanted to use what sisters before me had written so I could become the best sister I could be. As a junior, I joined the ritual committee, taking enormous pride in setting up our simple and beautiful ceremonies so our new members had the opportunity to appreciate them as deeply as I did. As semesters passed and I attended ceremony after ceremony, thinking of my sisters past and present across the state and country and it made me realize what a huge sisterhood I was truly part of. When I…
Confident Speech? But Like, Aren't You in a Sorority? – LikeSo
Confident Speech? But Like, Aren’t You in a Sorority? (Contributed by Tatum Dyar, amazing intern, Bethany College student and Alpha Xi Delta sorority sister.) When you think of sorority life, you may imagine the stereotypical flakey, catty, self-involved sorority girls you see in the movies and on TV. In my experience, that is far from the truth. Sorority life not only provides young women with a chance to make lifelong friends through sisterhood, but also provides a safe environment, empowering us to face the world with confidence, speaking up and out when it matters —which it always does. Whether you are a new member or a long-term sister, sororities give you never-ending opportunities to develop strong speaking skills. As a member of a sorority at Bethany College, I have found a whole new level of self confidence. There have been many times where strong communication skills have been required, such as recruitment or chapters. I joined our executive committee as Finance and Operations Vice President and am in charge of communicating all financial and secretarial information to the chapter. This requires a high level of clarity and confidence. Greek life constantly has pushed me to strengthen my speech and help my sisters as well. I do also have an app that allows me to practice my speech – for presentations, interviews, meetings – and it helps bring awareness to my verbal habits (like, you know, totally!) I learned about the LikeSo: Your Personal Speech Coach from my communications professor, and it’s like having a personal speech coach in your pocket! It’s great to have an app other than Snapchat and Instagram that actually helps me be successful in my communication. As a passionate believer in the value of strong communication skills – especially for women, I was excited about the LikeSo app and asked my professor if he knew if the company behind the app offered internships. And, boom! This past summer I interned for Say It Media. I learned from its female founder/CEO, Audrey Mann Cronin, how vital communication is in any part of life, and especially for women whose speech is often judged more harshly than their male counterparts. I decided to survey my sorority sisters – both in my house and others – to get their insights on speaking with with confidence and whether Greek Life had an impact: Gabrielle, Phi Mu: “Sorority life gives you the confidence to speak up and bond with girls to achieve a common goal. On our campus, Greek Recruitment is the greatest opportunity for this to take place because members of sororities are required to communicate to large amounts of girls to share what their sorority means to them and gain members. Speech within sorority life builds that confidence and better communication skills.” Olivia, Zeta Tau Alpha: Olivia talked about the many situations where sorority women have to speak to people they know and don’t know. She said, “Sorority life gives women these unique opportunities that can be challenging, but ultimately build a better sense of self and experience that can be translated to all walks of life. By being an outgoing sorority woman, I build confidence for myself, my sisters,and my national sorority.” Celesté, Alpha Xi Delta: Celesté spoke about how leadership positions in her sorority had given her the opportunity to develop and strengthen her communication skills. She said, “Without these positions, I would not have gained the confidence I currently have.” Celesté also mentioned how this confidence in her speech had followed her outside of her sorority and into her everyday life. As you can see, sorority sisters from all kinds of different backgrounds value the power of confident speech! Sorority life helps young women encourage each other to become better prepared for their futures. So yes, I am “like, totally” in a sorority, and I speak with confidence!
This Is What Being In A Sorority Really Means | Thought Catalog
This Is What Being In A Sorority Really Means Before I transferred colleges, people asked what I wanted in my new school. I gave a list of things, but when I came to “Greek life,” people either interrupted me or gave me a disapproving look. I got multiple follow-up questions and judgmental statements about what sororities are like and was looked down upon for wanting to join a sorority. When I transferred and was preparing for formal Greek recruitment last fall, I was undoubtedly nervous to begin with, but my friends and peers made me even more anxious. I was told that the chapters would Google my parents to find out what they do for a living and how much money they make. I was told that they would judge me and be very aware of what clothes and jewelry I had on, and whether or not I was wearing designers and expensive items. I was told that the girls would compare my body to other potential new members’ and that if the other potential new members were skinnier than me I would be dropped. I was judged for wanting to join an organization where I had to pay for my friends. Despite being uneasy, I went through with recruitment. Not only was none of this true, but also I would not regret going through recruitment for anything. Joining my sorority was singlehandedly the best decision I have ever made. Being in a sorority is not about my family status or the clothes and jewelry that I wear; it is about the standards I was raised with and the values I live out everyday. Being in a sorority is not about what I look like, or about paying for my friends. It is about surrounding myself with women who support me, motivate me and challenge me to always do better. Being a part of a sorority means encompassing yourself with passionate, strong and confident women who have your best interest at heart everyday. It is about the women who stand by you during the hardest times and celebrate with you in the happiest times. These women challenge me to grow as a leader and as an individual. They encourage me to be the best version of myself everyday. They taught me what it means to be a part of something bigger than myself and to always have someone’s back no matter what. My sisters showed me the importance of not only participating in philanthropy, but the importance of wanting to help others. Being in a sorority means being classy and respecting both yourself and others. Sisterhood teaches you life lessons to be a good human being and a strong leader. Sorority women have more standards than the average college woman. Twenty-one percent more sorority women graduate than non-Greek women, and 43 of the nation’s 50 biggest corporations are run by Greek men and women. Since 1825, all but two Presidents have been Greek, and Greeks make up 76% of U.S. Senators. Think about all of that for a second. The next time you judge, or you hear others judging sororities, remember these. Greek life dominates the work force and it is not by fluke. There is something special about being a part of a community that gives you the power and confidence to follow your dreams. It is easy to judge something you are not a part of, especially because the media solely advertises and illuminates the bad stories like hazing and chapters being closed. Sororities are not about hazing and drinking. They are not about parties and boys. A sorority is an organization of women, like yourself, that encourage you to grow. Sure, we like to wear our letters and throw up our hand symbols for…