I never thought I would be the sorority girl “type”. Before college, all I really knew about sororities was the image movies portrayed of them —tons of parties, dumb blondes, hazing. I wasn’t really interested in Greek life.
Then, my sophomore year of college all the girls in my dorm signed up for recruitment. I still didn’t expect much but I wrote my name down as a pledge. When recruitment came, I was absolutely overwhelmed by how intense the process was. TBH, the clapping and chanting really freaked me out. But I met some really cool girls, learned more about philanthropies, and found a house that I fit in.
I am a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega. I fell for AXΩ when I heard about their projects to raise awareness for domestic violence. Never thinking that someday I’d be VP of philanthropy.
Throughout the next three years, I definitely had my ups and downs within the sorority. Sometimes I was in love with my sisterhood and other times… I was wondering why the hell I joined. Like anything, there are pros and cons to sorority life. In the end, I’m glad there will always be thousands of real strong women who have my back.
Is sorority life right for you?
Con: You’re not all going to get along
Sororities are made up of typically hundreds of women. Alpha Chi Omega had 200+ sisters in my chapter when I was still in school (and that was considered small). That’s A LOT of women in the same room during chapter meetings. Odds are, out of over 200 hundred people, you’re not going to get along with all of them! Yes, you’re all in the same sorority but that doesn’t mean you all have similar hobbies or interests. Some of you will click, some won’t.
Pro: You’ll meet some of your best friends
The girls you do click with in your sorority will likely become your best friends. There are so many events to attend that you’ll end up being together all the time and will bond. Plus you’re not just friends… you’re sisters…
Con: It can get expensive
I absolutely hate when people say sororities are for “buying friends”. However, sororities DO cost money. You know all those events you will be attending or holding? Your money will go towards decorating, food, tee shirts, your crest, and most important, your philanthropy! To me: It’s totally worth it.
Pro: It can open you up to TONS of opportunities
Because of Alpha Chi Omega, I’ve gotten to travel the country, network with other successful women, and make memories that’ll last a lifetime. You’ll meet so many new people and learn tons of new things from being in a sorority. This is sure to open the door to even greater opportunities in the future!
Con: Points! Rules! Requirements!
Like everything in life… sororities have rules. In disregard to what movies may portray, parties and alcohol are not allowed in chapter houses. It’s also typical of a sorority to have a GPA standard, as well as other expectations. Sisters are expected to attend a certain amount of events and require a number of completed hours of service. After a while, all the requirements can get exhausting! If you join a sorority, you’re going to be busy.
Pros: It’ll get you out of your comfort zone
I never thought in a billion years that I would be in a sorority but here I am. Multiple times, I’ve had to challenge myself and do things that I may have been scared to do at first. Being in Alpha Chi helped me grow and step out of my comfort zone. I’ll always remember Philanthropy night, I volunteered to give a meaningful speech to hundreds of pnms. It was definitely nerve-wracking but I’m so proud of myself. Your sisters will always support you.
Pros: You get to stand for a cause you’re passionate about
Isn’t that what it’s all about? Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropy is domestic violence awareness, which is extremely important to me. Through sorority events, you’ll be able to raise money for your philanthropy and make a difference. It also gives you an opportunity to talk about your cause whenever possible. I finally felt like I had a voice in domestic violence awareness and place where I felt understood.
As someone who went to a school that doesn’t even have Greek life, I didn’t have any exposure to it at all. I’ve, of course, heard the stereotypes and seen the movies. But I always thought the idea of having a built-in support system sounded really great, especially during such a lonely time in life. Thanks for sharing such an honest view!
Brooke Blanton
asoneloves.com
Finding forever friends while doing good in the world, sounds good to me.
Great post; I haven’t seen any blogger address this subject before. I was in a fraternity during my college years and the experience had many of the positives you mention. Joining improved my college experience a lot.
I think the idea of Greek life sounds nice – or at least parts of it, but it was never something I wanted to do when I was in college. My brother was in a fraternity for a little bit though.
I like your pros and cons list! thanks for sharing.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Even though I chose not to involve myself in greek life, I do have a lot of respect for people who do!
I wrote a post similar to this a couple years ago!! I think it’s so important for Greek bloggers to talk about the TRUE pros and cons! I’m a proud sister of Alpha Delta Pi, but as much as I’m thankful to be a sister of such a great sorority, I am also the first to admit that my college Greek life experience wasn’t 100% all perfect! 🙂 Wonderful post!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
I was once part of Greek life in college and agree with most of your points. Everyones experience is totally different and they’re truly are some great things that come with being a Greek.
I went to an all girls private college in NC and since it was such a small school the entire college was like 1 large sorority! We had bigs and littles and so many fun events on campus! There are times I wish I went to a bigger school and was in a true sorority but I loved my college life!
I joined my sorority in 1982 and still are friends with many of my sorority sisters today. Being in a sorority can be beneficial for a lifetime!
I was never part of a sorority, but I always thought it sounded like a great way to make friends 🙂
Yes to all of these! I loved my sorority but it definitely had its ups and downs like an organization would.
This is great list of pros and cons. I loved being in a sorority. Made so many great memories and still am so close to so many of my sisters I met at school.
I was in a sorority and it was the best college decision I made! I got pushed way out of my comfort zone, and made friends I wouldn’t have otherwise! It can be really expensive, but not getting along teaches you a great life lesson!
My college didn’t have much of a Greek life so it was never something I explored much. It always looked fun at other schools though!
-Nicholle
http://www.nichollesophia.com
I was a sorority girl back in the day, my sorority didn’t have a house, and we were a service/social sorority so we focused a lot on community service projects. It was a great experience, but you definitely hit the nail on the head with the pros and cons!
Great list! I went greek and it was one of the greatest decisions of my life. Wouldn’t trade it for the world.
xoxo, Paige
http://www.midwesterncharmblog.com
I never pledged a sorority but the pros really seem to outweigh the cons. It is great to have a platform to be part of an important cause and to meet people from all over and your school.
This is such an informative post. I am not part of greek life but I tons of friends who are that absolutely love it.
-xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
I wasn’t a part of a sorority but I’ve heard great things about them and they definitely seem like fun!
I wasn’t in a sorority but I always wonder what my life would have been like if I was. I think it would have been such a cool experience. Like you mentioned, I think it can open doors for all sorts of opportunities and experiences.
I was in a sorority when I was in college too and never thought I would be a sorority girl either. Definitely agree with a lot of the pros and cons you listed here – I met some of my best friends (that are still my best friends 5 years later) from my sorority, it’s definitely a great place to bond with like-minded strong women.
Love that you put together this post for college students deciding whether or not Greek Life is right for them! This post will be super helpful for them 🙂
this is cool! i didnt know that greek life was a sorority..now i loved readingall about it!