I used to think that being in a sorority meant being in a completely different world than the rest of your campus. I pictured a row of houses with columns and banners, almost like its own separate campus. But as I’ve gone through college as a sorority member, I’ve realized that the opposite is true. Sorority women are some of the most present, connected and involved people on campus.
Leadership in Letters
Everywhere I went, I met women in letters. Every club I joined seemed to be led by a woman in a sorority. The girl next to me in class that was so on top of her work, in a sorority. What struck me the most was that this wasn’t only happening near that row of houses or at sorority events. Sorority women are simply everywhere, showing up, leading and building community all across campus. Sorority women are the presidents of clubs, ambassadors for school tours and the people you connect with on LinkedIn for a coffee chat about their new internship.
I think it’s because women who join sororities are seeking a strong sense of community and a way to make an impact on it. It only makes sense that this translates to who they are beyond their letters. Once I noticed the overlap between sorority life and college life, my world of possibilities expanded. Through my sisters, I learned about so many clubs and opportunities that I had no idea our school even had. From hobby-based to professional development clubs, and even ways to connect with job recruiters or learn about openings before you would on your own. I owe those opportunities to my sorority.
Navigating New Ideas and Networks
College is such a pivotal time to learn what you’re good at and what you care about. And one of the best things about sorority life is being able to dip your toes into the worlds of your friends. You can live vicariously through their storytimes at lunch, or you can even “try on” their career path or interests. I met my first Phi Mu before college even started because she was my counselor for a camp my university hosts to help with the first-year transition. I ended up joining the same hip hop dance team as my big. A sister invited me to come with her to a networking night that I wanted to go to, but was too nervous about going alone.
Since sorority women are everywhere, you don’t have to feel like you’re alone, especially when entering a new space. Being surrounded by women with shared goals and communities gives me the confidence and comfortability to navigate different groups that I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to otherwise.
Being in a sorority expands your network, brings people together and makes campus feel smaller in the best way. It has brought me new friends – within and outside of my sorority and the sorority community. It has brought me new hobbies and new forms of self-expression. But what people often overlook is that sorority life doesn’t just enhance your social experience; it can also strengthen your academic and professional experience.
Adding to your Academic Artillery
Every sorority has a different requirement for its members. Beyond upholding those academic standards, sororities create built-in support systems for navigating college because someone in the chapter may have the same major as you, can give advice on a professor you’re considering or can help you apply to the internship you’re nervous about. Sororities are hubs for growth and development, equipped with the resources and a space free of judgment. I’ve had sisters look over my resume more times than I can count. I’ve asked the business group chat which professor to take every semester. I’ve talked to my major-mentor about when I should take certain classes. I’ve learned about countless clubs and leadership opportunities my sisters were already involved in. And all of this doesn’t even scratch the surface and possibilities of the alumnae networks of each organization. Sisters across the globe that are connected to you by sisterhood. Sisterhood that is not only open to, but excited to see you succeed.
From Scheller Business Ambassadors to Executive Roundtable to Supply Chain Logistics Organization, being in a sorority keeps me in the loop academically, professionally and campus-wide. I joined thinking that sorority life was separate from college life, but I’ve learned it can be one of the strongest bridges into everything campus has to offer.
