Who am I? A sorority girl.
We all are aware of the stereotypes surrounding the Greek community. Let me be the first to say that before coming to college, I was one of the people that believed those stereotypes. However, I was a freshman who was willing to give recruitment a shot and I am so glad that I did. Being a part of a sorority is a valuable experience if you have a positive attitude and make the most of it. Sororities are not the right community for everyone, but it just so happens that my sorority was just what I needed this year. Let me give you a glimpse into my sorority experiences this past year and all that I have learned.
   SISTERHOOD IS A PRIORITY
You hear people say that sororities buy friends, but sisterhood and friendship are things that can not be bought. What is the difference between friendship and sisterhood you ask? Well, friends are friends. A sister is like a friend, but so much more. Sisters are girls that would support you and do anything for you at any time. You don’t even have to ask. They are just always thinking of you and wanting to be there for you in any way they can. It is truly a wonderful bond to share with someone. You don’t just join a sorority and immediately become sisters.
There is still an effort and a connection that needs to be made. You have to put in the effort. My best friend today was not my best friend before we joined my sorority (we actually lived right across the hallway in our dorms from each other). We had both signed up to be a part of the sorority and fraternity homecoming dance pairings, and I think sometime between the practices and running to catch the bus to take us to the dance was when we became the sisters we are today. My sorority really focuses on building that sisterhood between the members in our chapter. During our weekly meetings, we choose four people and give them a flower and a note about why we appreciate them. There certain things each chapter does. You can also build a strong sisterhood with others by just being involved. Speaking of involvement…
   INVOLVEMENT IS ENCOURAGED
Involvement is important in anything you do if you are going to get the most out of. My sorority encourages involvement in and outside of the sorority. We know how important it is to be well-rounded in our future so we strive for that now. There are so many opportunities within the sorority to seek leadership, join committees or just do something fun. I have been involved in lots of things from going ice skating with my sisters to helping with our philanthropy’s annual 5K.
   PHILANTHROPY IS A PART OF WHO WE ARE
A sorority’s philanthropy is an organization that the sorority works with and helps raise money to go toward that cause. I personally love this part of being in a sorority because you get to help other people. We take pride in all of the work we do including raising money at football games, organizing and getting people to sign up for the 5K and adding some food into the mix to raise money as well. We also strive to volunteer outside of the sorority in any way that we can. There are tons of volunteer opportunities on campus and I am so glad that I always feel like I can ask one of my sisters to volunteer with me.
SUPPORT AND HELP WITH ACADEMICS
We have all reached that point where we do not feel the best about a particular class or exam and you just need some help or encouragement. I had a rough start to first semester just because the transition is so overwhelming. With the help of my sorority, I am back on track and finding success in school. My sisters are really understanding and because a lot of them have been in the same boat, it was easy to find several people willing to support me and cheer me on as I started to improve.
My sorority has helped me be successful in college and encouraged me to reach my full potential. Without it, I would not be the determined student, accepting friend and passionate leader that I am today. Through all of my involvement in the sorority and its philanthropy, outside organizations, volunteer work and friendship, I have grown to be proud of who I am. So, who am I?