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Originally posted by ashley99
Hi!! I am new to this board and was hoping that someone could answer some questions for me... From browsing I have seen a couple of people here that go to UCF - hopefully you are reading this...
Anyway, I will be a sophomore at UCf in th efall and was thinking about joining a sorority. I don't really know much about the particular organizations and I have so many questions. I have heard mixed reactions from the few girls I know that are in sororities. One of them told me that all it really is is partying and drinking and if your not really into that you should not join, but a lot of people seem to say that it is so much more than that. I am not really that type that parties very often and I rarely drink, so ?I am wondering if mabe greek life is not for me? Also, what is rush like at UCf? from what one girl told me "it is the best week of your life that you never want to have happen again". I am not quite sure what she meant by this. Also, how much time does being in a sorority take up? Most of my close friends and my boyfriend are not involved in greek organizations and I want to make sure I will still have time for them... especially for my boyfriend- he is so worried that I will never have time for him and run off with a fraternity guy or something (which I wouldn't).
Sorry this is kinda long, but i foyu can answer any of my questions or just tell about sororities in general that would be great!!
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Hi Ashley,
So glad to hear that you are thinking about rushing! First, I just want to make a few points...
Concerning the girls who have told you that sororities are only for partying and drinking: Quite honestly, if those are the only reasons that they're in a sorority, then they are in it for the wrong reasons and are probably not going to be the committed types of members that sororities want in their chapters. Don't listen to them, please! There is SO much more to a sorority than parties! A sorority is about lifelong friendships, developing leadership skills, learning time management, helping your community, and -- last but not least -- enjoying yourself socially.
It's true that there are events that may include alcohol such as formals or mixers with fraternities, but no one in ANY national organization is going to force you to drink, or make you feel uncomfortable for not doing so. If they do, then they are in the wrong and definitely in the minority -- and you should report them to the president of the organization!
As for how much time a sorority takes up: A sorority does require a lot of time. However, that doesn't mean that if you join an organization that you won't have time to do anything else. In my chapter, we had girls who played sports for the school, were in honor societies and/or religious organizations on campus and still had time to hold executive board positions in the sorority -- all while maintaining A averages in their classes!!
Being in a sorority is all about time management. There are some activities that are mandatory -- you must attend them in order to be an active member of your chapter. But there are many other events that are voluntary, and you have the option to decide whether or not you want to attend them. For example, if there is a social with a fraternity going on, but you have a test the next day, then you may opt to skip that social and attend the next one instead. Academics always come first -- sororities know that, and they want you to excel in your classes just as much as you do! And there are plenty of activities going on each semester -- so you won't feel like you're missing out by not attending every single one.
As for your boyfriend: Some guys get jealous because their girlfriends are in sororities. They don't like the fact that they are attending socials with fraternities and hanging out with other guys at events that they can't attend. However, if a guy is going to be that way, then, to me, that means that he doesn't trust me and that the relationship might not be the best one for me to be in.
I would explain to your guy that, yes, a sorority will be time-consuming, but that it won't change your feelings for him. Also, you can point out that there are MANY activities that he
can attend such as date nights, formals and intramurals games. My boyfriend in college actually coached our softball team, and it was great because I got to do things with my sisters and him at the same time!
Finally, concerning Rush: The girl who said that rush week is the best week of your life that you never want to do over again is absolutely right!!!
What she means is that going to the rush parties and meeting all the sisters is a BLAST, but that it's also very stressful and hectic because you have to do so much and meet so many people in such a short period of time. It's a lot of fun, and most girls love their rush experiences -- but it's also a lot of work, which is the part that they probably don't miss!
Good luck with whatever decision you make! And please feel free to ask me any questions you like, either here or in a PM.
dzrose93