Yes, you read the title right. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Where is this article about to go? What juicy information am I going to find out today?”. Well I am here to tell you the absolute 100% truth about Greek Life, more specifically Sorority Life. Let’s be honest you have all probably heard these things or may even think them. So, let’s talk about it.
1. They are a cult.
Yikes… now that word makes me think of a dungeon, candles, and spooky cloaks. In the sorority context, it might make you think of the door chants (aka the singing and clapping sorority girls all in sync when the doors open). I know you have seen it going viral. Now, I am a sorority gal and some of the videos make me cringe, too. But here’s the thing. Each sorority has some sort of chant/ cheer/ call that is unique to them. It’s like your high school group that made the funny cheer that only you know, the song y’all sang to the top of your lungs when it came on, or the inside joke that lasted a whole year. Each sorority has something that is special to them and only they know and understand. It's their universal bond.
2. Two Words- Party. Animals.
Well gals, I told you I am here to only tell the truth. Sure, its college, but, is that an excuse? The fact is that we do have mixers, socials, formals, and just a much needed girls’ night. But believe it or not, all of these events don’t mean that they are this wild movie scene party. In college, karaoke is a major hit. Why? I don’t know, but I am sure glad my terrible singing can shine without judgement when we have karaoke night with different Greek Organizations. Just because you see us dressed up for a themed social or all piled in a room watching the big game it, doesn’t mean there is a crazy party happening. Greek Life is meant to gain a social circle, socials mean hanging out with new people. Although yes, we like to socialize but that most definitely does not mean it always involves this crazy alcohol or drinking stigma that has been hinted at.
3. They buy their friends.
To address the elephant in the room, yes there is a financial obligation when joining any Greek Organization. But they actually aren’t thousands of dollars at JSU, they can be pretty affordable in retrospect. Just about every Greek Organization on campus can tell you that most of their members do work and pay for their dues all while still coming to the things they’ve worked so hard to pay for. Now that some of you can breathe a little easier, let’s talk about what “financial obligation” really means. For my sorority, dues are for all of the fun mixers, t-shirts, events, FOOD, coffee during finals, formals, and rewards for academics. Yes, again, you read that right. It’s just like dues for any other team or club except with more yummy treats!
4. Academics are not a priority.
Now, I don’t know about you, but my eyes just about rolled right out of head. We are all at college for academics. The majority of us are actually at school on a scholarship. Our grades drive us. We have to keep good grades not only because we want to be able to humbly brag about the President’s List, but also because our organizations have grade REQUIRMENTS. Remember, I am only telling the truth. The truth is Greek Organizations have grade requirements to join, to be a leader, and to have fun. If grades start to slip, most organizations have a way to make sure you are getting help and putting grades first. Late night study dates with your sisters will be some your BEST memories. Trust me when I say joining a Greek Organization will keep your drive for good grades at an all time high.
5. They aren’t actually passionate about their philanthropy.
Want to know a secret? Until I went through sorority recruitment, I wasn’t sure what the word philanthropy was all about. Don’t get me wrong, I volunteered in the community, donated books and time to charities, but philanthropy was not in my everyday lingo. Let me tell you about philanthropy. Philanthropy is what most organizations are founded on. It’s a burning passion for finding a cure or raising awareness for a specific cause. Most sorority women will tell you EXACTLY who they are raising all of this awareness and money for. It is personal to each of us. AOII’s philanthropy is Arthritis Research. I raise awareness and money for my grandmother. Sorority women are genuinely ecstatic about the events they host for their philanthropy because they have seen their work change lives. I encourage all Greek and Non-Greek students to attend one event and see first-hand why we really do have a deep love for our philanthropies.
6. They are all the same.
Before going Greek, I would hear “she’s in a sorority” and along with all of the things I have previously stated; I would picture this bleach blonde girl with this bright white smile who is dressed in all designer clothing. Honey. TJ-Maxx is my home and I just learned how to properly blend my eyeshadow because that’s important now. Not only do me and my sisters not look alike, we don’t think alike either. We all come from different home lives, religions, denominations, political stand points, views, and passions. We encourage diversity. To grow into the best we can be, we must be open and encourage others to be too. We need the fine arts major for her creative ideas. We need the political science major to help with the logistics of the chapter. We need the marketing major to help improve our social media. We need the nursing major to help with problem solving. We need everyone. Women empowering women has been the forefront movement this past year and Greek Life is exactly that. Being with a diverse group of women has shaped me into who I am today.
Hopefully I have cleared the air on some of these less than amazing things you have heard about Greek Life/Sororities. I hope this helped those on the fence for recruitment, but most importantly I hope this encourages everyone to give Greek Life a chance. Maybe joining isn’t in your path, but your support really will impact Greek Life and yours. I promise. Like I said, I only tell the truth. Without taking the leap of faith and going through recruitment, I have absolutely no idea where I would be or what I would accomplish without the love and support of my sisters.
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