SHOULD YOU JOIN A SORORITY?

So you are about to start your first year of college and now is time for the big decision... should I join a sorority or not?

It is a big decision and requires a lot of thought for sure. I think it is important to first say that being in a sorority is not for everyone, but I honestly believe that there are a lot of benefits that everyone can take advantage of even if you do not think of yourself as the stereotypical sorority type. But I want to help you weigh if it is something for you. As a sorority insider I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of membership.

THE UGLY

Stereotypes | Yes, if you join a sorority you will likely be stereotyped by someone at some point in your life. The best part of this is that the stereotyping person likely has no ties to a fraternity or sorority. You can be judged on the fact that you joined a sorority alone or even by the sorority you choose to join. It is going to happen. It is the ugliest of truths. However, I think you will find that a majority of fraternity and sorority members do not meet the stereotypes you see in movies or youtube videos.

I could legitimately go through and negate every single one of these "reasons" she brings up, but I will simply just say... no. You can make your sorority experience whatever you want which is a huge perk!

THE BAD

Drinking | Fun fact: Not everyone who joins a sorority or fraternity drinks. If you feel like you are being pressured to drink, you simply walk away. I have personally found that even though I didn't always want to drink my Sisters were the most supportive in my decision. If you or someone else chooses to drink, make sure that you are making smart choices.

Hazing | While all sororities have a zero tolerance policy for hazing, I do acknowledge that it still happens in our society. If you ever feel like you are being hazed I would encourage you to talk to someone about it as soon as possible. If it should continue after that, you can quit your sorority. I know it may not be the best or most wanted solution, but you have to keep yourself a priority. If I ever felt like I was being hazed I would recognize that is not sisterhood and does not meet the values of the sorority I joined. Overall, if you go to someone when you initially feel like you are being hazed, they will take care of it. This is never something you should tolerate nor should your chapter. Chapters educate their new members on hazing policies within the first week of their new membership so you will know how to recognize it.

THE GOOD

Instant Connection | I would say that the best thing about joining a sorority is that your immediately have a connection to your campus. Yes, you have new friends in your dorm, but you also have the opportunity to stretch out and get to know other people. You will meet people that live in other residence halls, from different classes, and in different fraternities/sororities. Even better, is that this all begins before you even join a sorority. Your recruitment group is probably made up of people you haven't met yet and your recruitment counselor is your own personal guide to campus, not just sorority life.

Sisters | This one is totally a given, but let me explain. Remember the scene in Legally Blonde where Elle is doing everything she can to learn has much for the LSAT as possible? Well her Delta Nu Sisters seriously gave her that push she needed to get the job done. I would honestly say that is what sisterhood is all about. Having that special connection with someone so they will stay up study with you all night or offer a shoulder to cry on is an amazing part of the sorority experience. Also, visiting somewhere and meeting a Sister from another chapter is just about the most incredible experience ever. I seriously get chills every time. The most important thing to think about when joining a sorority in the people that are in it. They will make or break the entire experience so make sure you choose carefully.