To be a sorority girl…
To be a “sorority girl” can mean many different things from many different views. I would be lying if I said that my view of a “sorority girl” was the same before I joined a sorority as it is now. However, I can confidently express that I am proud to hold this title, as should every other woman who shares it.
It has become too easy to catch ourselves mentioning our membership in a sorority and then quickly following up with, “But don’t worry, I’m not that type of sorority girl.” If you think about it, what exactly does “that sorority girl” mean? Every experience is different, but I chose to share mine to express all the good that being a chapter member has given me and to encourage those with different views to open their minds to the possibilities of a different image of these women.
Being a “sorority girl” has opened more doors for me than I could ever imagine. During high school, I always tried to be as involved as possible, thinking that it would solely be classes that had all my focus during college. However, as a sophomore in college, I am more involved and academically committed than I could have ever imagined myself to be, and I have the women in Chi Omega to thank for that.
Frequently, people assume that women in a sorority solely participate in sorority-related activities. However, I have witnessed during my time in Chi Omega that these girls are some of the most involved people I have ever known. Whether that means being the president or on the executive team of a club, working multiple jobs, being a peer mentor to students, or simply being a member of an organization, these women are filling their days with activities on campus and in the community.
One thing I’ve picked up on is that every person is passionate about everything they do, whether inside or outside the sorority. I’ve learned about clubs I never knew existed on campus, and even clubs that women in my sorority started for anyone to join. I have learned to love being busy, because others have shown me that as long as I work hard and do what I love, I will achieve big goals.
Almost every week, someone in the chapter seems to receive new opportunities, and let me tell you, these aren’t just any opportunities. These women are creating graphics for the Iowa State athletics, interning with accounting and engineering firms, and even working for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Yes, you heard that right! So, when I say they inspire me to be the best I can be, I truly mean it.
Let’s talk about living in the sorority house. I’m the first to admit that I was nervous about being in a home surrounded by a large group of women. It’s safe to say I had my doubts, but yet again I was proven wrong. Living in the sorority house is one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. It’s easy to assume that there won’t be any alone time, which, for me, is valuable. However, I’ve learned that the house is what you make of it. For example, if you want to be surrounded by people, there are places for that, but there are also places to spend time alone or to study by yourself.
The whole sorority experience is what you make of it. By simply being your true self, you are bound to have an incredible experience full of memories that will last a lifetime.
Lastly, let’s move on to a hot topic of interest: using the word “fake.” The word fake can often be described as being not genuine. Unfortunately, in today’s society, women in sororities have received that label, all on top of being called “sorority girls” with a negative connotation.
All these stereotypes and titles are surrounded by an idea that’s been put into society. However, the women I have surrounded myself with have easily become some of my best friends, and I know that every one of them would support me with any and everything I do.
The word “fake” is the last word I would use to describe a member in my chapter or in the Panhellenic community in general. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful women in different chapters and my own, and every person I have met has been nothing less than genuine to me. So, as I stated before, the word “fake” is just another term wrongly put into our community, and a word used to attack the character of women we may not even know.
If you were to ask me who I am or about myself, I would never start with “I’m in a sorority,” but instead end with, “And I’m proud that the women in my sorority have shaped me into the person I am today.”
“Most people hear the phrase ‘sorority girl’ and assume the worst, that girls are clicky and unkind. I have found that stereotype to be quite the opposite. Joining a sorority and being a “sorority girl” has offered me countless opportunities and lifetime friendships! I have met some of the most driven, kind, upbeat, and passionate individuals since joining Chi Omega! In my opinion, being a ‘sorority girl’ means having a supportive group of women that are always there for you no matter what.”
