Is the Greek life for me?

Q: Some girls in one of my classes are trying to get me to join their sorority (I won’t say which one) during informal Rush this spring. Theyare nice and they tell me it would be a good experience, but I have never thought of myself as the sorority type. I am worried that I won’t be able to see my other friends as much, because either I won’t be “allowed” to or I’ll be too busy to. My best friend has already assured me she would never join with me. Also, I am only a freshman and I am worried that being seen as a sorority girl will keep me from meeting new friends or a potential boyfriend. I guess that I don’t want the stigma that is attached to sororities, like being stuck-up, trying to buy my friends, or that I’m an airhead. What should I do?

A: Whether you like it or not, joining a sorority will be a socially life-changing event, but we believe that the decision is ultimately subjective. What is considered a good experience for some, can be a devastating experience for others. However, there are certain perks that a sorority can offer.

Without a doubt, you will meet a lot of new people through the Greek system, but there is a chance that you won’t see your current friends as much. It won’t necessarily be because you aren’t “allowed” to, but you will have weekly meetings and functions that you will have to attend to. From girls we have known who belong to sororities, their schedules are always pretty full.

If you are worried about how you will be perceived by others, remember that anyone who judges you simply because of an organization you belong to, isn’t worth befriending anyway. As long as you are yourself and are genuine, making friends inside or outside of the sorority shouldn’t be a problem.

Make sure that the sorority you are considering has a good reputation. If this is an organization that is going to dictate who you can date, who you can be friends with, or what you can do, then consider if this is really a group you want to belong to.

As we are not encouraging you to join, we are not discouraging you, either. The best advice we can give you is to really weigh the benefits of joining against the down points as well. Also, remember that neither of us are involved in the Greek system, so this is purely opinion based on things we have heard from people we know. There have definitely been those girls we’ve met who seem to have joined in desperation to be “cool,” but also those who are the nicest people we will ever know. Do what is best for you!

Is your roommate driving you crazy, school stressing you out or is your romantic relationship in the slumps? E-mail your questions to [email protected]