Family is against greek life...advice?

[pennylane333]

Hi guys,
I was wondering if anyone has advice about family members being against sororities.
I live in NYC and go to a non-traditional public school. I wanted a change for college, so next fall I will be attending University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. I really really want to rush, but every time I tell my friends or family this, they all laugh at me or make an awful face.
I am particularly worried about my twin sister. I told her that I really was serious about rushing, and she said that if I joined a sorority, she wouldn't want to be friends withe me. First of all, that is a horribly generalized statement. Neither she nor I truly know what being in a sorority will be like. Who knows, I might not like it. However, I feel like she should support me out of familial love.
Has anyone had a similar situation where your family was against the greek system? how did you handle this?
Thanks so much.
p.s. this is a more technical question, but on the greek-life website it said that recommendations weren't required. Should I try to get some anyway?

[knight_shadow]

Wait...your biological sister said she wouldn't be your friend if you joined a sorority?

[lawgal]

One of the advisors for Michigan posts here and can probably give you some good advice. The sorority houses at Michigan are beautiful, and the sororities really help in making the Michigan community seem smaller and more friendly. Paging LioninMI.

[pennylane333]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

Wait...your biological sister said she wouldn't be your friend if you joined a sorority?

yes. I don't understand either.

[pennylane333]

Originally Posted by lawgal

One of the advisors for Michigan posts here and can probably give you some good advice. The sorority houses at Michigan are beautiful, and the sororities really help in making the Michigan community seem smaller and more friendly. Paging LioninMI.

thanks!

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by pennylane333

yes. I don't understand either.

My siblings never had anything to say about my going Greek. My father wasn't too thrilled, but got over it once he saw the benefits.

If it's something you want to do, forget what everyone else says. Once you've found your place, invite your friends/family to see what good you're doing (service, helping other sisters, etc).

[MsFoxyLoxy77]

Yes you should try to get recommendations anyway.

[IUGreekGirl]

You don't even really have to know the people you ask. Just find greek you know- or even kind of know (mutual mutual friends are totally legit). Send them your resume. Hope for the best. Good luck

[ASTalumna06]

First of all, if one of your family members refuses to be friendly with you because this, that's sad. And not for you, but for them.

Secondly, if you feel the need to have them understand, try to talk to them about why you're interested in joining. Do your research online and see what sororities really do. Talk about it with them. Show them examples of Greeks helping the community. Discuss their focus on academics. etc.

Understand, though, that some people might never understand. My mom was never against me joining, and I still to this day don't know what she truly thinks of the whole thing, but no matter how many times I tell her what my letters are, she'll still say things like, "Oh, I really like your AET shirt." I've pretty much given up on telling her it's an S. lol

Keep in mind that for every person who's against you joining, there will be another person who thinks it's a great thing that you did. And as long as your family isn't discussing the possibility of completely disowning you, do your own thing, and show them how great being in a sorority is (if/when you join).