I came to college not even considering joining a sorority. It was the last thing on my mind. I had the stereotype in my head that all sorority girls were ditzy blondes who were all big drinkers and just in it for the frat guys.
But boy was I wrong. After I joined my sorority I realize that going Greek isn't just for the social aspect, there's so many reasons to consider joining a sorority or fraternity.
Friends
Making good friends in college is hard. People are constantly at meetings, class and around campus. You aren't seeing the same people everyday and your friend-base is often limited to the people you live nearby. What I love about the sorority is that I instantly made forty friends the second I joined. Of course not all of them are by best buddies, but they are all people I feel comfortable talking to, no matter the circumstance. We all share a common bond and set of experiences, which hard to find in college, even a small one like Willamette.
Opportunities
A lot of people may not realize this but there are tons of leadership opportunities in Greek houses. In my house alone there are about twenty positions available for anyone who wishes to hold one. For example, in just the two years since I've joined I've been in charge of fall recruitment, chapter secretary and vice president of finance.
Greek houses are begging for people to take charge of these positions. These jobs allow students to gain valuable experience in an arena they're comfortable in and are often eligible for scholarships because of these positions.
Living Situation
Many schools have special houses for Greek organizations. This is nice because you don't have to worry about the drama that is housing selection and tiny cramped dorms.
Connections
When you join a Greek house you are a member for life. People take this commitment seriously. Wherever you are, wherever you live there will be a fellow sorority/fraternity member nearby. Many Greek houses have alumni groups that meet once a month. Also, Greek houses will print alumni directories so if there's an alumni from your chapter that is in the business you want to be in you can contact them and you already have a ready-made connection.
Better Connected On Campus
As a freshman I felt isolated and out of the loop when it came to school spirit and unity.
After I joined the sorority I definately felt like a stronger member of the campus at large. I knew when the dances were being held, when movies were being shown, when different groups were holding fundraisers, etc.
Also, it is nice to have a way to meet a good chunk of the freshman class. During recruitment you are introduced to dozens of freshman who you get to know. I really enjoy being a more visable and participatory part of my school.
If you are thinking about joining a frat or sorority, definately pursue that thought. You can go to the information meetings or talk to a member to see if it's really a place for you.
I know a large chunk of the girls in my sorority never thought they'd go Greek and now they love it. I find being in a sorority more than just parties. It is a group of mature, sweet, responsible girls who all have a commitment to a cause that I believe in and I respect all of them. That is what college is all about, to find those people who you can share the fun times with but also really look up to.
