Why Go Greek?

I’ve had many family members and friends from my hometown and high school ask me why I decided to join a sorority, and many people even tease me for doing so.  To most of them, I’m paying a lot of money every month to be a part of a social group where the only purpose is to party with the stereotypical “frat guys” and drink excessively.  It’s unfortunate that their opinion of what it means to be in a sorority comes from images portrayed by the media and preconceived notions.  I’ll be the first to admit that I never, ever saw myself as a sorority girl, because I thought that I essentially had to be Elle Woods from Legally Blonde (think blonde Reese Witherspoon in all pink with a lot of money and a tiny dog).  While there are probably women in Greek organizations who fit this profile, this “sorority girl” image doesn’t even come close to describing every sister, and I think that this is a good thing.  While it’s important to have a positive image on campus, each chapter is composed of many different types of individuals.  This diversity can definitely cause conflicts among its members, but it also provides for many personalities and strengths.  However, keep in mind that joining a sorority or fraternity is not for everyone, and not doing so doesn't mean that someone is below a Greek.  Sororities are amazing ways to get involved, support philanthropies, connect with others, and express one's self and beliefs, but some individuals can do this without feeling the need to join one.

But why go Greek?  Why is this something that some women should do?  Is it worthwhile?  Personally, I wanted to join a sorority to find my niche and really get involved on and off campus.  I loved how Greek members were some of the best in college and beyond (higher GPAs, on-campus involvement, and much more), and I wanted to be in a position of leadership during my four years there.  I would encourage any young woman who is interested in joining a sorority to truly entertain the idea.  Make a variety of friends who are and aren’t in Greek organizations, and do a little bit of research before you join one yourself.  Sororities do have many similarities; however, the specific details, rituals, and beliefs are what makes each unique.  Find out how your potential sororities are perceived around campus, but don’t set your heart on a chapter just because it’s the largest or best-known.  While sororities are social organizations, they also provide opportunities to get involved in philanthropies and the community, connect with women across the country, and better yourself.  It’s not all about the parties with guys, going out every night, how you look, or having a lot of money, and there are always girls who go through recruitment thinking that it is.  Going Greek and joining a sisterhood means holding yourself and those around you to a higher standard.  It means broadening your horizons, getting involved in your community, and stepping outside your comfort zone.  It means finding a group of women who, through the good and the bad, during college and beyond, will always stand by you; your sisters will push and encourage you to be your best.  It means unexpectedly meeting some of your sisters from other chapters and knowing that you have [secret] things in common that instantly bond you together.  Being a sorority woman is not just a privilege, but an opportunity to become a better person.  I’m a part of something that is so much bigger than just myself and have amazing sisters who have come before me and will come after, and that’s what I think being Greek is really about.  

It's exciting to meet someone who is involved in Greek life or find out that friends I went to high school with have joined sororities or fraternities.  Having pride in your organization is what it's all about, and those who truly love what they stand for will live by those values.  Our rituals, despite misconceptions, are all very different and are more than the physical symbolism of these beliefs.  Our past sisters are more than black-and-white photos of women with still expressions and haircuts much different than our own.  Going Greek to me means wearing letters and badge with pride and living out values through action.  Having something beautiful in common with women across the country whom I don't know and may never meet is pretty amazing; it's a great feeling of never truly being alone.  That's why I'm proud to be Greek, despite the numerous inquiries and jokes from friends or family.  To perfectly sum it up, "From the outside looking in, you can never understand it.  From the inside looking out, you can never explain it."  I hope that many other sorority women feel the same way!