For those on the outside looking in, sororities are perceived in a negative light. Thanks to Hollywood, the news, and Google, the world has a tainted view of sorority women. There have been many instances where people have been too quick to judge when I mentioned I was a proud sister of Kappa Alpha Theta.
To all of the lovely, CLassy young women who have completely ruled sorority life out due to these common misconceptions, I’d like to ask you to reconsider. Joining a sorority can be the experience of a lifetime – you just have to allow it to be. Check out Caity’s article explaining why Greek is good! Sure, Greek life may not be for everyone, however you’ll never know if you never give it a shot!
CL has compiled a list of seven sorority myths just in time for recruitment – maybe it will have the ability to change your mind, or at the very least, set the facts straight!
Joining a sorority = buying friends! This is absolutely incorrect. In reality, like various other clubs, sports, or organizations, payments are used for events, contributions towards philanthropy and scholarship, and to benefit national chapters in order to keep headquarters up and running! Dues are in no way buying your membership – recruitment is used to select you for you!
Hazing… We’ve all heard about it or seen it in the movies and it has become such a large concern for women (and men) across the country. However for many universities throughout the nation, anti-hazing policies are being implemented, if not already applied. There are approximately 44 states where state law actually prohibits hazing. Do your research and ask questions about the policy at your university, pick up a student handbook on Panhellenic guidelines, and make sure you are informed.
In order to be in a sorority, you must look the part! First of all, what part? Sororities nationwide believe in being yourself – it is not about what you look like or where you come from, it is about being genuine and expressing your individuality within your chapter.
Sororities require too much time. When you sign up for any club, sport, or activity, chances are, they will be a bit of a commitment – in reality, what isn’t a time commitment? However, ultimately what you put into your experience is what you will get out of it – you can decide how involved you’d like to be in your chapter and prioritize accordingly!
Greeks associate with Greeks only. This one is one of my favorites – especially because none of my roommates are affiliated with Greek life at all! Sure, I have many close friends in Greek life as well as in my chapter, however I also have many friends outside of Greek life as well!
Sorority girls just like to party and don’t care about school or anything else! Completely false. Many chapters, if not all chapters, hold high expectations when it comes to grades, school, and GPAs. Chapters expect the most out of their members and often have a GPA requirement each member must reach in order to continue actively participating in the chapter. Otherwise, privileges are slowly taken away and many times, members are put on probation until they are able to raise their grades.
Sorority girls are superficial. I have met some of the most incredible women in my life not only in my chapter, but also in various chapters throughout the US! Some of these ladies might even end up being your best friends for the rest of your life; you might meet your future roommate, the godmother of your firstborn, and even your bridesmaids. But you must give them a chance to show you who they are and how wonderful they can be.
Sororities are not the cult-like organizations many people consider them to be. Greek life can be a life changing experience (it was for me!) You just need to give it a chance, take a risk, and go in with an open mind. Who knows? Maybe Greek life will be the best thing that has ever happened to you!
