I know what you’re probably thinking.
“A sorority, really? Isn’t that just a way of molding female college students into clones of one another who only care about who has the best hair and what boy they will be going with to the Sigma Apple Pie semi-formal?!”
To answer the previous questions:
1. Yes, hello! I will always be the type of girl who will admire another sister’s great hair. How does she do it?!
2. I’m not quite sure what a Sigma Apple Pie is…but it sounds yummy! Can I get mine with extra cool whip, please?
Bottom line: being in a sorority means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. While some think it is a way of conforming to fit a standard, others think of it as an amazing opportunity that has and will open many doors for them.
My experience? I have been surrounded by many women, both in my organization and within the greek community as a whole, who have inspired me with their drive, passion, and compassion. I have met older sisters who have mentored me through things as little as boy drama to as big as switching majors.
At this particular moment in history, I think it is more important than ever for women to have a seat at the table and an army of empowered females to rule with.
Mine just happen to come in the form of a Delta Gamma sisterhood.
Fun and games are certainly part of greek life, but being in a sorority doesn’t come without its life lessons! So, here are 5 very important life lessons I have learned from my collegiate sisterhood years:
Related reading: My Sorority Experience: What It’s Really Like to Be in a Sorority (Good and Bad)
Table of Contents
1. There is a time and a place for everything; pick and choose your battles with a level head.
I’m not saying all your ideas, opinions, and comments aren’t important. I’m saying, are they worth saying? And are they worth saying right now?
The number one thing I tell people when they ask me what I’ve learned in greek life is when to speak up and when to bite my tongue.
The truth is, there are some things worth fighting for, but there are also many things that will rock the boat and cause more trouble than they’re worth.
I mean seriously…is it reaaaally necessary to complain about that pair of white jeans you had to wear one time to a recruitment event? No. Sometimes you need to *let it go*.
2. You won’t be BFFs with everyone, but a little mutual respect goes a long way.
It’s no secret that being in a sisterhood means being surrounded by lots of different people — all the. damn. time.
As in any group setting, it’s natural that you won’t be best friends with everyone, but that doesn’t mean you need to be rude to people either.
You all have chosen this sisterhood, this path separately but with the same goal: to join an organization based on empowerment, love, and support. If you can’t find respect in anything else, have respect for that decision!
And who knows, maybe that little bit of respect could lead to a real sister in your sisterhood!
3. Never underestimate the value of being a great small-talker.
Ever met someone you just couldn’t talk to? I mean, have you ever felt like you’re literally talking to a brick wall, except the brick wall is a better conversationalist.
I just described “rounds,” the soul-sucking emotional rollercoaster of having to smile through the pain of standing in heels all day.
Here’s what my sorority taught me. There are 2 solutions to this problem:
1. Endure the most awkward conversation of your life:
“Yeah, so…you like eggs?”
2. Move that girl along:
“I know you mentioned you’re from California! That’s so cool, you know we actually have a sister from California! I totally need to introduce you two!”
Nine times out of ten I will opt to move that girl along, which just goes to show you how important it is to be an engaging communicator. I mean, what happens when you make it into the workforce and you can’t talk about anything but your resume in a job interview and other topics are like pulling teeth?
4. When you see a leadership opportunity, don’t hesitate to leap for it.
Coming into sorority life, I knew I wanted to do something important and be a leader however I could. For others, being a leader is something they’re a bit more ambivalent about. In my experience, sororities give you so many leadership opportunities… so take advantage!
As a now-senior I have served two terms as VP Member Education, run social media accounts as VP Communication for my school’s Inter-Fraternity Sorority Council as well as for our Panhellenic Council, sat as member-at-large on our honor board committee, and will be running the voting for new sorority members this coming fall.
I was and am quite ambitious when it comes to sorority life because I have a passion for it.
The great part of being in an organization is that leadership comes in all shapes and sizes and can fall right into your lap if you let it! So, when it does, grab it. (It also looks heckin good on a resume, people!)
5. You can always be a role model, no matter the small part you play.
Whether it is the role of VP Member Educator, big sister, or pledge sister, you matter and you play a role in the lives of your fellow sisters.
I hope to make an impact on my little tree of little sisters the same way the older sisters who came before impacted me.
Overall, being in a sorority has been a valuable experience for me, but it’s what you make it. So, if you’re going to do it, do it your way!
I want to hear from you in the comments below!
What have you learned as a sorority woman? What impact has it made on you?