Choosing Greek Life was a difficult decision. I saw it portrayed through TV (Thanks House Bunny & Greek) and it looked fun, but a lot of partying. When I got to college, it seemed like Greek Life was a community and everyone that I passed wearing letters on campus looked like they were the students making the most of their time at college (DISCLAIMER: as a freshman this was what my thought process, it is not true... Greek Life or Non-Greek Life, College can be great!!) When Spring Semester of my Freshman year came, all the girls I was friends with that year went through recruitment. Actually it seemed like EVERY freshman girl was going through it. There were a little over 10 sororities with over 100 girls in each house. Not every girl was going to get a house, but you didn't know who. I was one of them. My freshman year I did not get an invitation to join Greek Life. It was devastating (at the time), but would be ok.
I went into college without a major, and had no idea on what to pick. Likewise, my freshman year, I just focused on picking classes and making friends. I ended up making friends that would become lifelong friends and took classes that interested me in all different ways. I wasn't involved in much and did not know what I wanted out of college. I had to figure that out. I was just joining Greek Life because it looked so great. Once my thought process behind it changed, so did I.
My Sophomore year, I realized I wanted to go through recruitment for a different reason. I wanted it to be part of a sisterhood and get the opportunity to give back. I wasn't going into the process to make friends and party. I was going into the process completely open minded and keeping a level head the whole time, because honestly, recruitment can be very overwhelming. You are meeting a ton of girls and having conversation after conversation. Some conversations went better than others, and as the process continued, I realized there were houses that my interests aligned better with than others. I found myself intrigued by certain houses and wanted to be part of the chapter to give back to their philanthropy. After putting my best foot forward and going through recruitment a second time, a bid was extended to me from the sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta. I met a group of women that I enjoyed speaking to and wanted to know more about. I wanted to share the bond they had. Everything finally clicked.
Going through recruitment a second time was ok to me. I figured out who I was before the process and felt much more comfortable in my skin. It is ok to go through the recruitment process the first time around as well. For me, I think it was too overwhelming and I was expecting WAY too much. I wish I could go back to the first time and tell my freshman year self to go into recruitment with no expectations and do not be afraid to be yourself.
I was the only person in my friend group that joined Greek life. There was about 10 of us, guys and girls, and I was the only one. I was ok with it and this is why:
To me, Greek Life was a positive experience! I gained so many new friends and being a part of the sisterhood gave me a chance to really come out of my shell. I felt at home and I became so much more confident in my own skin. My chapter had (and still has) so many different personalities. This meant tons of different majors. No matter the major, someone in the house had it, and you could ask them about it. This also meant having friends in classes that you were not too sure about taking (which can be a good AND a bad thing). Being part of Alpha Gamma Delta, gave me the opportunity to join so many different organizations. I wanted to give back and I wanted to go the extra mile to participate in as much as possible. Also, I was able to hold a position which allowed me to practice leadership skills and work with strong women. I even got the opportunity to attend a Conference meeting women from different chapters all over the country!
Each opportunity that arose in Alpha Gamma Delta helped me become a better person and more comfortable in my own skin. I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. The biggest take away? It gave me a chance to master my organization and scheduling skills. Being a part of Alpha Gamma Delta, a few organizations, and having a job forced me to learn how to manage my time very well. This skill carried well over to my every day life (and my blog).
If you ask me whether or not to join a sorority... I will say, GO FOR IT! (BUT FIRST TRY RECRUITMENT) Recruitment is an opportunity to show everyone who you are and see if there is a chapter that you want to know more, or even better, be a part of. Is it for everyone? No and THATS OK! I know people who had a fantastic experience with Greek Life and I know people that it did not work out for. What I have learned is everything falls into place. When in college, you will find your niche. It may be Greek life and it may not be, but I think that if you are thinking about going through the process. DO IT!! There is no harm in trying anything. College is the time to test what you like and do not like. Take advantage of it!
Good Luck!
Are any of you thinking about going through recruitment??
Is anyone in Greek life??
(I apologize for my rambling and scattered thoughts)
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