Looking back, were you right?

[skylark]

When I first met members of certain groups, the stereotypes first rang true to me. However, I think that is because I was looking for them to be confirmed because I had already heard the stereotypes. What I found when I got to know members of each group better (after pledging) was that the stereotypes ring false about as often as they ring true.

Also, just because you pledge a group with a certain image, it doesn't mean that a lot can't change in four years. Once you join, it is up to you and others in the group to determine if you'll be a part of that stereotype continuing or not.

[Glitter650]

Originally Posted by skylark

When I first met members of certain groups, the stereotypes first rang true to me. However, I think that is because I was looking for them to be confirmed because I had already heard the stereotypes. What I found when I got to know members of each group better (after pledging) was that the stereotypes ring false about as often as they ring true.

Also, just because you pledge a group with a certain image, it doesn't mean that a lot can't change in four years. Once you join, it is up to you and others in the group to determine if you'll be a part of that stereotype continuing or not.

OMG SOOO TRUE !!!!!!!!!!! Soo many girls don't think about (or realize) how fast the girls in a chapter change over, and the real power they actually have to make changes happen.

[Zeta13Girl]

Originally Posted by skylark

Also, just because you pledge a group with a certain image, it doesn't mean that a lot can't change in four years. Once you join, it is up to you and others in the group to determine if you'll be a part of that stereotype continuing or not.

A common quote that is said on our campus by the greek organizations is

"the letters don't make you...you make the letters" and I think that says it all right there what your talking about.


I went through informal rush and didnt know anything about the reputations, but since I've pledged I know that going by my looks (i hope this doesnt sound conceded because i dont want it to!) I fit into many other sororities because fraternity boys that don't know me always ask me if im in some other sorority than Zeta Tau Alpha, but I know trying to hold conversations with other sorority girls only my sisters really "get" my personality. which could mean that I am just crazily weird lol, but I hope not!

[PhiLove83]

[quote=Zeta13Girl;1577750]A common quote that is said on our campus by the greek organizations is

"the letters don't make you...you make the letters"

I really like that! But back to the topic, I rushed spring semester of my freshman year, and thought that I had all of the sororities figured out. However, two years later, some things that I thought that I knew about other organizations have changed. I am Panhellenic president and get to work with the other organizations on a regular basis. While I sometimes wonder what would have happened if I had not done COB's and had visited all of the chapters, I still know that I am where I belong

[AlphaXi4983]

As far as the chapters at my college, it's about half and half. There were a few chapters who lived up to my expectations, for better or for worse. Of course, as I got to know women in the other sororities on campus, some definitely impressed me more than their reputation would have let me believe when I rushed. There were a few chapters which I wish I had been more open minded about. I don't regret going AXiD, becuase I am now an advisor for a collegiate chapter and love it, but I do wonder how things would have been if i gave XYZ the benefit of the doubt instead of succumbing to the stereotype like the naive freshman that I was. My personality has changed a lot though, over the years - I'm much more secure with myself and much more outspoken than I was way back then, so I'm sure that has something to do with my changed perception as well.