When people ask me why I decided to rush, I never have a concrete answer. I always knew it was something I wanted to do, even though I didn’t know what sororities were all about. I rushed at the beginning of my freshman year at the University of South Carolina, and I can say that I am proudly a sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Even though I’ve only been involved in Greek Life for a year, I have found my niche at USC. Joining a sorority was the best decision I made in college, and here are some reasons why.
Disclaimer: I am writing based on my experience, and every sorority if different. My sorority offers programs that others do not, and vice versa. While sororities operate differently, they all have a similar value system and I have taken that into consideration while writing.
First, remove every preconceived notion about sororities that you have. Their cinematic portrayal is flawed for comedic purposes, and there are only small clips from movies that depict it accurately. Along with this, there is no “one type” of sorority girl. That said, we are not all partiers and we are not all blonde.
1. Involvement
One of the best things about rushing freshman year was getting involved on campus immediately. The first Sunday of school was Bid Day, and from there it only got better. While other girls were trying to make their first friend, I already had a pledge class of over 100 sisters, an introduction to the social life, and chapter meetings every week.
2. Leadership
I go to a school with over 25,000 undergraduates. Finding leadership opportunities, especially in student council, is near impossible. Inside a sorority is an executive council system with chair positions and committees. Sororities create a smaller community where leadership positions are achievable, and look just as good on a resumé.
3. Buddies for Everything
Going to the gym? Going to eat? Watching The Bachelor season finale? You will never do it alone. Perks about having hundreds of sisters around you is the common interests you are bound to share. I made two of my friends simply by asking them if they wanted to walk to an event together, even though I had never talked to them before. Eight months later, we still talk and even went on Spring Break together. Sororities allow for a community where reaching out to your sisters is not awkward, but encouraged. You will always have a friend around!
4. Academics
Contrary to popular belief, academics are a HUGE part of sorority life. In my sorority, we have a tutoring system from older girls to younger, a study and accountability program that focuses specifically on girls with less-than-stellar grade point averages, and one event each semester that allows girls to bring a professor into the house for food and beverages. This event allowed me to connect with my professor on a more personal level, which could lead to him writing me a letter of recommendation in the future. Also, scheduling classes with sisters is a great way to make sure you can study with friends.
National averages state that students involved in Greek Life do better academically:
“The percentage of students in a sorority or fraternity who graduated college is higher than the number of non-Greek students who graduated. In the United States, only half of all students who do not belong to a sorority or fraternity graduate, while more than 70 percent of Greek members finish their studies. More than 80 percent of all political and leadership positions on college campuses across the country belong to members of a fraternity or sorority. Students taking part in those organizations learn how to work well with others, lead small groups and communicate effectively.”
“The all-Greek average — which includes organizations in the Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, the National Panhellenic Council and the Panhellenic Council — was 3.32, while the total undergraduate GPA was 3.20.”
5. Networking
It’s a no-brainer. The boss interviewing you for your dream job could be a sister of your sorority, which offers an indescribable edge in the hiring process. The chances of this are slim, but they could also be involved another greek organization that you know of. This changes the conversation to: “They had that sorority on my campus. I have two friends there and I loved their philanthropy.” This is something that other potential hires will not be able to compete with if they were not involved. Even if the boss wasn’t directly involved in greek life, maybe their daughter or family friend is. The possibilities are endless!
6. Philanthropy
Giving back to the community is not only a great resumé booster but morally fulfilling too. You will become connected to your philanthropy, with opportunities for hands-on service and fundraising. This includes planning events, participating in events, and giving financial contribution through “percent nights” (also known as the best way to donate: buy a dress and part of the money goes to philanthropy. Everyone wins!)
7. Support System
This is, in my opinion, the most important reason for joining a sorority. Whether you are making a big life decision, getting over a breakup, or missing home, there will be a group of people there for you to give advice and encourage you. Sisters look out for each other. There are always going to be people looking out for you, ready to intervene for your benefit. Everyone is open to talking, no matter the level of friendship.
8. Reasons to Dress Up
In a sorority, there is always a reason to dress up. Amongst the college life of no makeup, oversized t-shirts, and never sleeping, playing dress-up for functions is a fun way to actually act like a girl again.
9. Interviewing Skills
There are pros and cons to rushing. While it is mentally exhausting, it has taught me the best conversation skills. Every round of rush at every house is a different conversation with different questions. After nearly 30 parties throughout the grueling rushing process, I’ve learned to overcome the awkward pauses and small-talk, which will give me a leg up in job interviews. Even after the first year as the rushee, I still have three more years on the other side of the conversation. This means more interviewing practice, so get ready job interviews…here I come!
10. House and Food
Last but not least are the tangible parts of being in a sorority. Simply being able to walk into a house, sit on the couch, and watch TV is overlooked while living at home. When suddenly there is only one room for cooking, eating, sleeping, hanging out, and doing homework, having a physical house on campus is a luxury others will not have. Also, the food at sorority houses is significantly better than anything at the dining hall. There is an array of healthy options, something dining halls cannot say they specialize in.
I believe there is truly a place where everyone belongs. The diversity in the Greek Life system is wide-ranging, bringing people together that would never have met before. Consider rushing to experience the excitement and togetherness that a sorority can offer. This is my family; go find yours.
Things I was Surprised my Sorority Offered:
- Bible Study – We offer weekly bible study which allows sisters to become closer to one another, and grow in their faith together.
- Mental Health Awareness Clinic – We had a seminar this year that not only taught us how to maintain better mental health for ourselves, but how to notice when other people need help. The idea is to be able to look out for our sisters as best as we can.
- Active Shooter Preparedness Seminar – Our sister’s father works with the FBI, and he came in to give us a presentation on safety in the unfortunate event of a shooting. Because of this, I know what best to do in case that situation arrises, and I find solace knowing that all of my sisters have that knowledge as well. This is a presentation I would not have access to had I not joined Greek Life.
Powerful Women Involved in Greek Life:
- Sophia Bush – Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Southern California
- Meghan Markle – Kappa Kappa Gamma at Northwestern University
- Carry Underwood – Sigma Sigma Sigma at Northeastern State University
- Hoda Kotb – Delta Delta Delta at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Katie Couric – Delta Delta Delta at the University of Virginia
- Betty White – Alpha Gamma Delta
- Tory Burch – Kappa Alpha Theta at the University of Pennsylvania
KILL IT SISTER!!!