My sorority/fraternity has taught me...

ThetaPhiAngel · #1 10-06-2003, 07:21 PM

Today when we were put into groups in one of my classes, I was able to have everyone exchange names, numbers and email addresses, I came up with a plan, and even delegated a few tasks. All this from the girl with social anxiety that could barely go to class a year ago. Had it not been for the support of my sisters and the experiences of working with others on committees(especially people that are difficult to get along with), I don't know if I would have been able to do that today.

What has your sorority/fraternity helped you with?

adpiucf · #2 10-06-2003, 08:17 PM

NETWORKING! Every job and internship I held in college and out has been because I actively sought out older sisters and fellow greeks in other clubs on campus who were in my major.

CONFIDENCE! I had a fear of public speaking, but becoming a chapter officer and exec board member really helped me gain confidence to speak in front of groups and feel more at ease being the center of attention. Also, knowing I had a core group of women supporting me gave me the confidence I needed to make a cross-country move-- I moved knowing only there were a string of ADPi's from Point A to Point B. I am so grateful to be part of such an organization. When I moved, I became involved with the alumnae association in LA, and I have met so many people through this group!

TEAMWORK and LEADERSHIP! Working on so many different projects with so many different people helped me to develop professionalism and people skills, as well as helping me to become a better listener and delegator of tasks. I have also been given great opportunities to manage people-- putting me ahead of many others my age.

Go Greek!

The benefits are definitely life-long attributes and development tools that you will use and grow on forever!

sigtau305 · #3 10-06-2003, 09:08 PM

Network: I have blessed to know so many active/alumni members. If I need a reference, all I have to do is call or email

Leadership : being able to take charge of something and go with it. Even though I have not held a E-Board position, I have been chairman of numerous positons. being exposed to it has help me groomed to be a officer in other student organizations. (ex: NAACP, IFC)

Confidence: before I join my Fraternity, I was shy and spoke very little. Now, I can go and speak my mind without being hesitant.

honeychile · #4 10-06-2003, 10:39 PM

I'll echo the networking sentiment! There's something less frightening about moving to a strange town when you know you already have sisters there.

Sorority has taught me time management skills. Maybe a GDI can have a 4.0 in school, but we had to maintain a 3.0 while serving in two or more community/campus activities and usually a chapter office! Throw in Homecoming, Greek Week, and all the teas & formals, and you learn real quick how to manage your time!

Sorority has taught me that, not only do I get to enjoy unique experiences & lessons, but I have the opportunity to share them as an alumna. My growth has never stopped!

But most importantly for me, sorority has taught me how to be a sister. I never had a sister, and my cousins are much older than me. Being an ADPi has taught me a whole new dynamic that I would not have otherwise learned!

astroAPhi · #5 10-07-2003, 12:42 AM

My sorority has given me some killer recruitment skills.

I work for the College of Engineering as a work study for the Director of Labs. He gives the Engineering Tours and received an email from a mom whose son loved the college for the academics, but thought the social scene was lame as hell. I offered to write him back and tell him what it was like at our college.

I completely turned the kid around. He wrote me an email thanking me for opening up his eyes to what a college experience can be on a small campus. My boss asked where I was able to talk to someone and convince them of something like this, and I told him that it was honestly my sorority recruitment skills. He was really impressed and said that maybe from now on he'd hire more Greeks if they all know how to do stuff like that.

AlethiaSi · #6 10-08-2003, 02:27 PM

i definately agree with what everyone said- I have a lot more confidence knowing that these girls will always be by my side. Also, I have learned to get along with people better and to accept them for everything- the good and the annoying... I have learned to balance my time, to cooperate and get things done, to recruit new people (i'm rush chair) to give and receive respect and gratitude- and know that i have something to offer.... the best decision i ever made...

Lil' Hannah · #7 10-08-2003, 03:00 PM

I agree with the public speaking thing. I have no problem getting up in front of a class and doing a presentation or speaking my mind in class.

ThetaPrincess24 · #8 10-08-2003, 05:39 PM

I have learned that there may be(and usually is) more than one correct point of view, and all of those points of views need to be respected whether you are in agreement with them or not.

I also learned through having my own office of Scholarship Chair that life is much easier when you delegate to your committee!!!!

socialbutterfly · #9 10-10-2003, 01:00 AM

Networking
Com. Skills
Leadership Skills
Time Management
and the list is endless....

One other thing I need to give credit to Zeta Sigma Chi for teaching me is that no matter what is going on in my life, I can turn in any direction and find a sister that is there to help me out. It may be just a few words of wisdom, or a ear to listen, but they are there. I've gotten so much courage to continue with school from all these ladies and the strenght within to believe in myself that I can accomplish anything I work for.
This is like my second family where I worry about its health and its success all the time. The sorority as a whole is like a child I want to teach and watch grow.

*Sorry, didn't mean to get all "Hallmark Card" on everyone

GPhiBLtColonel · #10 10-10-2003, 02:50 AM

I was in ROTC all four years of college and had a 22 year Air Force career, so I really did not need the leadership, networking, time management, recruitment or any of the other things y'all have mentioned -- plus I have five biological sisters of my own, so I frankly had all the sisters I could handle!!!

What I needed and why I rushed and why I pledged was that I wanted GIRLfriends!!!! When I was in ROTC, I was the only gal (out of some 250 guys) for a short while, then there were a few more women who joined ROTC later. I just wanted to have girlfriends!

And now, nearly 30 years later, I love all my GFB (and my Panhel!) girlfriends!!

absolutuscchick · #11 10-11-2003, 01:20 PM

Alpha Gamma Gamma taught me:
- The true meaning of friendship, before AGG I had never really had TRUE girlfriends who would be there through thick and thin because they were my sisters
- How to come out of my shell and into leadership roles
- How to make friends with girls all throughout the greek community
- About compromise, how to balance my needs and the needs of the other girls in the house.
- About devotion, how to remain loyal and true to my sisters

Kappa Delta has taught me so far:
-Tradition, the importance of keeping it alive
- Philanthropy, how important it is to give to the community

I would not be the woman I am today without AGG and KD!!

sairose · #12 10-11-2003, 11:18 PM

Sigma Alpha Iota taught me to believe in myself and in my musical abilities (I'm a music major). As a freshman, I was shy, insecure, and had NO confidence. I was last chair in the 2nd concert band. I am now 2nd chair in the top ensemble, I play lead sax in the jazz band, and am the section leader for marching band. My sisters gave me the strength I needed to follow my dreams. Now, I know I can do anything I set my mind to.

James · #13 10-12-2003, 12:41 PM

1. IT taught me the limitless stupidity and self serving nature of our fellow man . . . and how to destruct or circumvent them.

2. It gave life to the leadership literature and made me realize that a lot of it was PC trash.

3. It showed me how to develop true espirit de corp in the ranks and the necesity of either winning over or eliminating malcontents.

Most of the other personal and interpersonal stuff you guys are talking about I had prior to Greek involvement. No fear of public speaking. Good social skills. Self confidence and esteem.

But I started my chapter.

XOMichelle · #14 10-12-2003, 12:53 PM

how to play well with others.. lol.

Also, I got a job offer this past Thursday because of Chi Omega.