WARNING: There are some incredibly old heavily instagramed filter photos of me and some of the first photos I took when starting my photography business!

 

During sessions with my Seniors we talk quite a bit about college, and my college experiences as well (though completely not normal and that’s a whole other post!) It usually comes up that I was a part of a National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Sorority in College. No part of me screams Sorority Girl, but that is just the thing. The stereotype that surrounds sorority life is so damaging and intimidating that it is hard for upcoming freshmen to see themselves being a part of this community.

I loved being a part of my sorority. I met some of the most amazing and incredible friends through my sorority.

 

So here are 10 Truths about Sorority Life:

 

1. Sororities Are Not About Partying!

The most common stereotype about sororities are that they just about partying, and hanging out with frat guys. Though there are parties to go to, they are not crazy house parties. TG’s (themed casual parties) were sometimes that most fun, coming up with group costumes to fit the theme was always so much fun! These are also monitored by sober monitors to make sure everyone stays safe, and to keep those under 21 from sneaking drinks. There’s also date parties and formals which give you an excuse to get all fancied up! Get out of your sweatpants and have some fun before the semester is over.

2. Making Friends

College is scary. Even if you are living at home, you are being thrust in a huge new social pool. If you’re living in the dorms you will have your roommates and meet people on your floor, but unless you get socially involved whether is be a club, sport or greek life, it is really hard to meet new people. With Sorority Recruitment you will make friends your first week there. Making friends starts before you even walk into your first house. All the girls rushing get separated into different groups, as Formal Recruitment is a very organized and choreographed system. You spend a lot of time the first day standing in line in alphabetical order, and its actually a great way to meet people. Even if you decide it is not for you and choose to drop out, you’ll meet new friends by just going through the process.

 

 

3. You’re Not Paying For Your Friends

I’ve heard it time and time again “Sororities are just paying for your friends.” *insert eye roll* You will have dues to be paid, they vary chapter to chapter so there is not an exact amount it cost to be a part of a sorority. Your dues go toward paying for the house, meals, activities, national dues, the list goes on. There is an entire budget that you can send to your parents to show where the money goes.

 

4. Real Life Experience For The Adult World

Sorority Chapters are almost entirely self run. There are usually a group of alumna advisors, but unless you are a charter or a new chapter, they throw you the reins! In our chapter we had about 15 elected positions and 20+ appointed positions. From President, to External Social Chair, to running social media these are things that are handled by collegiate members. We had an executive board with a President and Vice Presidents for different departments, we even had a disciplinary board. Departments had to submit budget approvals.

 

5. We Really Do Care About Our Philanthropy

Every sorority has a different philanthropy, and it isn’t just a ploy to make us feel better about being a sorority it is something we truly care about. We throw fundraisers to raise money for our organizations. Most of them had to do with food, because college kids love food. From $1 hotdogs on game days, to 24 hour fried food marathons it was always delicious and fun. One of the things that drew me to my sorority was we didn’t just raise money, but we actively participated in our philanthropy. We could volunteer in the program and everyone went out to support them at their bi-annal event. It allowed us to be hands on with our philanthropy.

6. Greek Life Is A Community

When your join a sorority you’re not just a part of one single group, but a whole community. It’s not like you not allowed to socialize outside of your chapter, but it is encouraged to make friends and have a well rounded friend group. We support each other philanthropy whether it be food, fun events (like flag football tournaments)

7. Post Grad Connections

Benefits from a sorority follow you even after graduation. Alumni connects are a real thing. These sororities have been around since the late 1800’s/early 1900’s. The lines run strong, and in one of the hardest job markets in history you can use all the help you can get! There are alumni groups in most major cities that can help you with finding help in a new city, job prospects and continued sisterhood. It’s not four years, it’s for life.

 

8. Your GPA And Studying Matters

Most sororities have GPA requirements, they’ll look at your high school GPA when you are rushing. Sororities pride themselves on their cumulative GPA’s. There are required study hours for most chapters, and the lower your GPA the more hours you are required. If it drops so low, you can get put on social probation which makes it so you are not allowed to attend any events on the social calendar until your grades are raised. There is always a helping hand. If you ask for help there will always be some there there to help you. Older sisters that have been in your class before, a lot of girls will even take classes together. Our house had study hours, tutoring help and all the education support you could ask for. Most of my sisters had post graduate plans of attending grad school, law school, and medical school and they need steady GPA’s and high test scores. You could walk into the house on any day and most girls were studying for their next midterm, doing LSAT prep or quizzing each other.

9. Thanks For The Memories

Almost all my favorite memories from college stem from my sorority. I had a very close group of friends. We did everything together. We cooked, complained, studied, went shopping, crafted all night, were in almost constant communications. They were the first people who supported my photography business. These are the people that made my college experience amazing. Your sisters are always there to support you. Whether you are performing in a concert, have a big presentation, or running your first marathon your sisters are there for you.

 

10. It’s Your Home Away From Home

This is so cliche, but I found my home in my sorority. I was far away from my friends and family in Ohio. I didn’t know anyone at Ohio State, I didn’t live near campus and I worked full time. My sorority helped me find my place in college. I can be scary going through recruitment, you may find yourself cut from your favorite house but I have to say to trust the system. It has been perfected over the years and you will find your perfect home.

 

Greek Life is not for everyone, but it certainly is fun! If you love to craft, food, community, have crazy adventures and make friends sign up for recruitment. You never know what you may find.