This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GSU chapter.

We have all seen the movies with the crazy sorority girls and all of the stereotypes about sororities and fraternities. With movies such as Sydney White, The House Bunny, and Sorority Row, stigmas about sorority girls have been created and associated with any type of sorority. But, as a curious girl, I decided to see for myself exactly what the hype was all about.

I decided to go through “Rush Week”, which is the process of going through recruitment to each different sorority. During the three day process, I learned so much beyond my expectations. I would like to share my lessons with anyone who has ever had an interest in joining a sorority, but had that little doubt dancing in the back of your mind.

1. You Learn Self Confidence

One of the greatest fears is meeting new people or attending an event you are nervous about. That was exactly how I felt when I first walked into the room for Orientation, as I had no idea what was about to happen, who I was about to meet, or if anyone would like me. It is a nerve-wracking experience being surrounded by many girls who you have no idea who they are and are basically trying to win them over with your personality. However, as the night went on, I built the confidence to introduce myself to a few girls, which whom I still talk (even though we are not in the same sorority.) After a few conversations, I realized how easy it was to just be yourself around a room of accepting girls who were going through the same thing. After days of just talking to different types of people, that energy and confidence carries over into your normal life as it becomes easier and easier to just let go of any concerns and just be yourself!

2. You’ll have a listening partner for life

In addition to gaining confidence within yourself, you start building relationships with really caring girls who are there to listen to you. They call them “Sisters” for a reason because even though you have just met these girls, you develop a connection that makes you feel comfortable to just talk about anything and that girl next to you is willing to listen and offer any advice they can. It is usually not easy to talk about your feelings but when you have that bond, you find yourself talking a mile a minute and feeling relieved after letting all of your thoughts out.

3. There’s always something to do

Amongst the 80 girls that are usually in a sorority, you will always have someone down to go out with you. Do you ever have those days you feel like going out to eat at that new Thai Restaurant, but somehow all of your friends are busy? Well, that problem is an easy fix when you have countless girls waiting behind you to do something with you. Whether it is a shopping trip, a movie date, buying a pet, working out at 6 in the morning, or just having a girls night in, you can always count on one of your girls.

4. Connections

As college students, we are all in school for a reason, and that is to build a future for ourselves with the career that we desire. Joining a sorority can connect you to “sisters” all over the country, who might be in the field that you are interested in. Even if you are looking for a small job around your area, there is certainly a girl in your sorority who knows about a job opening and can help a “sistah” out!

5. Resources

Similarly to having connections, being in a sorority allows you to also have personal tutors. Each girl in the sorority has a special talent that can pass down to their sisters. For example, I am terrible at math, but I met a few girls who were naturally great at math and were willing to offer a hand. I even met a girl who was fluent in French, who also was willing to tutor me. You will always have a study buddy.

If you have ever thought about joining a sorority, do not let the stereotypes stop you from pursuing sisterhood. There are many advantages that come with sororities and help you shape who you want to be. Being surrounded by positive girls who understand your drive and desire for happiness in life can only lead to great things. And if you are scared about meeting new people, just know that they are in the same boat as you as they are searching for the same thing! So put your smile on, be your true self, and the sisters you have been looking for are awaiting to welcome you with open arms.

Why You Should Join a Sorority: Ignore the Stereotypes

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