Help!

[Christina]

I'm been really seriously thinking about joining a sorority next year when I start college. The fact is, I've been struggling with the fact of becoming a member. Greek Life has such a bad reputation and members are viewed as being stupid and ignorant. I've always had the "pretty girl" image and frankly, I'm starting to get sick and tired of it. In a sorority, will I still have to worry about the whole physical image stuff?
What kinds of things could a sorority offer me that can help me in my future?

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Don't let the sterotypes get in the way looking into a Sorority. Greek Life can change a college experience.

Many benefits exist for joining a sisterhood (or a brotherhood). You will have leadership opperunities, community service work, fundraising experience, academic support. The list can be as long as you choose to make it.

Most importantly, is the unique bonds of friendship that form. Somewhere in the midst of your memebership you realize that your sisters will go the distance for you, just as you are willing to do the same. And this bond if properly nuirished won't die. I'm an alumnae almost 3 years, my sisters old and new have helped me through rough times, good times, and unexpected times.

I do sugguest that you do some research prior to Rushing. Find out about the sororites on campus, their national & local histories, traditions, reputations. Speak to the sisters, and don't be afraid to ask questions. And you'll find where you belong.

Best of Luck

Jennifer

Beta Chapter Alumnae
Alpha Sigma Kappa
Women in Technical Studies

[Gardner: AGD]

Christina,
I am a Sophomore @ Central Missouri State University. I took a semester to investigate the greek system and I liked what I found. I love my sorority and all that it stands for. Greek life is not for everyone that is why it is so important for you to weigh your options carefully. As for the image thing, you get out of it only what you put into it. If you don't want to be pigeon holed (which I'm guessing you don't) then choose wisely what house you go to. After you look at the system at your college you will see what you like and dislike regarding different houses.

At any rate please keep us posted on your decision and if we helped you at all!
lots of luck!
Jessica Gardner
Epsilon Lamda Chapter
Alpha Gamma Delta

cHRISTINA,
AS A MEMBER OF A SORORITY, I THINK THAT IT IS VERY UNFAIR FOR PEOPLE TO PASS JUDGEMENT WITHOUT HAVING ACCURATE INFORMATION. SEEK OUT THE TRUE MEANING BEHIND WHAT GREEK ORGANIZATIONS ARE REALLY ABOUT -- ACADEMICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND SISTERLY/BROTHERLY LOVE. PLEASE, RESEARCH THOSE ORGANIZATIONS THAT INTEREST YOU & FOCUS MORE ON WHAT THEIR PURPOSE IS AND WHAT ACTIVITIES THEY ARE INVOLVED WITH INSTEAD OF "IMAGE". I AM A "PRETTY GIRL WHO WEARS 20 PEARLS" AND I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT OUR PURPOSE AND FOCUS IS FAR FROM JUST BEING "PRETTY". COLLECTIVELY, WE WORK HARD, USING OUR GOD GIVEN TALENTS TO ENHANCE THE WORLD AROUND US & "TO BE OF SERVICE TO ALL MANKIND."


TREENECIA GARRAWAY
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA
IOTA KAPPA CHAPTER
HATTIESBURG,MS

[lauratx]

Christina,

I waited until my junior year to pledge a sorority and now I only wish that I had done it earlier in my college career. Although there may be many cookie-cutter stereotypes towards sororities and fraternities once you find an organization you feel completely comfortable and at home with you will automaticly know it is the place for you. The first day of rush I really felt that the girls were seeing me for me and not just another rushee which as rush progressed I began to form friendships with many of the girls outside of the active rushee relationship. I sincerily encourage you to participate in rush and sorority life, regardless of your decission you will meet many wonderful people along the way. Please keep us posted on your decision.

Laura Beyer

Delta Epsilon Chapter
Gamma Phi Beta


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lsb

[Vanity3]

I want to raise the question of why some people resent that a minority, such as an African American woman like myself, would decide to join a Greek organization that is not traditional Black. I resently decided to pledge Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and I have gotten some strange looks from Greeks in the traditionally Black Sororities. Some have even said that I'm being a trader of sorts. I wanted to know if others had some answers out there. I know in my heart what is best for me and I will not allow anyone to take me off course from my goals. I am just curious to know why some feel that way. Thanks

[Q-T Pie]

Vanity3
I kind of understand where you are coming from. I too am a minority of sorts. I am half Mexican & half white. When I talk about rushing for a primarily white sorority I get weird looks & questions from my Hispanic friends & vice versa. I too would like to know why this is. I'm just looking for the best sorority that is out there for me.
Allison

[krunchy]

There will hopefully be a number of sororities to choose from at the school you attend-both local and national. Some pledge for the name and status, and some pledge because they feel as though they belong. There is a sorority for everyone, so don't feel pressured to join one you don't like(believe me, they will practically beg you and hunt you down!) I pledged a local sorority. I personally liked not having to answer to national rules and being able to do whatever we wanted. We're very close and have many alumni and sisters who are in constant contact. It will be one of the best things you do. You may not want to pledge our first semester. there are sororities who will always be called the pretty girls, but don't judge by looks. all greeks have reputations that are false. go where you are comfortable and not pressured and you'll feel at home. i also loved our house and that helped in my decision to pledge. Pledging as a first semester freshman can be tough-on grades and time(of which you'll have none) but you'll have more time to be greek!!!

[Alabama]

Hey, don't be concerned with being black or white or any other color for that matter when you are joining a sorority. The first black girl joined our sorority and she is my pledge sister. I love her no matter what and no matter how far away we are from each other if she needs anything I will be right there. Being in a sororoity isn't drinking or dicking off, ir is love and unity. You are a sister for life. I know of our alumni that have never met a sister and given her money when she really needed it. Only because we are bonded in friendship no matter if we have met or not. Being greek is a challenge, you need a certain demenior and GPA. It is well worth the effort, you get back so much more than you put in during pledging!

M. Huling
Alpha Eta Omega

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alabama

[Genoalan]

Hey hey Christina.....

Artimis is right on track. Frats and sors have turned over time for the better. Reputations still exist but are lessening. Search for websites, contact rush chairs and ask questions, come out to as many rush events as you can, meet the sisters and see what you like.

As for retaining the sexy cheap look, you don't have to do anything you don't want to. How you want to look is your choice, but of course you must keep yourself proper to some extend as a self-responsibility to personal hygiene. Much love to ya...

Henry
Alpha Phi Omega--Iota Phi
National Service Fraternity

Much props to the sweet honeys of..
Sigma Omicron Pi
Phi Gamma Theta
Chi Omega
Lambda Phi Epsilon (lil sis)
Pi ALpha Phi (lil sis)
Chi Omicron Pi
Delta Sigma Pi

[33girl]

BUMP!!

[XOMichelle]

wow, you dug this one out, didn't you 33girl!

[AOII_Jess]

Hey,

Each sorority has different values and morals that we live by. I would not trade my girls for the world! When you join, it is like joining another family. You know that these girls will be with you and help you whenever you need anything! Being in a sorority, also helps you grow as a person! Now being one of the seniors in my sorority, I see the new girls come in and grow into beautiful and respectable women with high morals and who carry our name with pride! When I first joined, I had looked at other sororities and saw which one I would best fit in and which girls I got along with better. At our university greek life is not even recognized by the school... so being part of this and trying to the school to recognize us, has joined the greek community as a whole.

As for the negative stereotypes, wherever you go there will be stereotypes both good and bad. It is up to you to prove those negative stereotypes wrong! Our school paper recently published an article by a non-greek about greek life. It completely portrayed a negative image to greek life, the greek community as a whole came together to overcome this. Just remember, that greek life is not for everyone! I have a lot of non-greek friends, that have no plans on joining and yet still support me for being in one. Hope this helps in your decision!

Jessica