Back to School Link Up : How to Pick the Perfect Sorority for You

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” ~ Thornton Wilder

Hey Sweetie Pies! So in today’s post I wanted to share something with all of my college sweetie pies who are considering going Greek. Now from someone who is a member of a sorority, I can honestly say that it was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made in my life! I have developed a new set of skills, learned how to manage my time, became more aware of socioeconomic issues, made lifelong friends and learned how to become a better leader. Honestly this list goes on and on but I bet you’re probably wondering, “How did you get all of that from joining a sorority?” Well I am glad that you asked. I am going to share with you some things that I did to help me pick the sorority best for me as well as some things that I learned along the way. (I think my sorority is the BEST out there but every sorority girl will tell you that about their sorority and they should say that) I am very prideful about my sorority just like every woman should be about their organization. (I am a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. btw) So without further banter, let’s get started!

1.) Really think about what it is that you want to get out of joining a sorority. For some, it’s to have a family away from home, others it is to get involved, whatever it is make sure it is for a good reason. To get drunk at all the frat parties or to gain popularity is NOT a good reason. Sororities are soooo much more than that. So definitely make sure that you want to join a sorority for the right reasons and not something based solely off of something you saw on TV. (Media doesn’t always depict accurate examples of Greek life, and I am going to leave that there!)

2.) Make sure that you are comfortable with who you are and your character. Look for a sorority that is going to add to the awesome person you are, not CHANGE you. Sometimes, people become members and totally change and not always for the better. Make sure you are comfortable and confident in who you are. Make sure that you are your own person and not joining just because your roommate, best friend and sister are joining.

3.) DO YOUR RESEARCH! Now you may be wondering what in the world do I mean by that. (Honestly I didn’t know what people meant by that my freshman year) Basically research online, learn some things about the sororities on your campus. Learn about their philanthropies and see if anything about their organization interests you. Ideally if you become a member, you’re going to be expected to support whatever philanthropies/causes that the organization supports so, keep that in mind. Also organizations always have events open to the campus where you can learn more about the organization and their members on the campus so keep an eye out for them!

4.) See how members of that organization are on that campus. I am not saying stalk the members and follow them to their classes. But you should see how they interact with each other, see if any of them have classes with you or share your major. Remember they are students too so you will see them around. Often times it is easier to point them out because they usually have some form of paraphernalia. I loved seeing how the members of my sorority interacted with one another. You could easily tell that they were really close and cared for one another. That was something that was really important to me.

5.) Remember that you are a student first so make sure that your grades are intact. I am not saying that you have to have a perfect 4.0 but make sure that you prioritize academics, even after joining. Every sorority has a certain GPA requirement and the bare minimum is usually a C average. So definitely make sure that your grades are well, I suggest above average.

6.) Go to sorority events if your schedule fits. Sororities love when you come to their events and I am not just talking about the parties. If they’re having a canned food drive.. Go! If they are picking up trash around campus and it’s open to students to participate, GO! This way you get to do some research of your own as well as give back!

7.) Be honest with yourself. I say this because sometimes girls be in such a rush to join a sorority as soon as they get to college. Sorority life is a privilege, not a priority. You come to college to get an education and graduate so just remember that. By no means am I trying to talk anyone out of going Greek but I have to let that be known.

8.) Don’t join thinking ‘what you can get out of the sorority’. Think more of what you can do for the sorority. If you think that way I instead, I promise you it will be more fulfilling.

9.) Make the best of your experience, your undergraduate years as well as after college. One of the coolest things about my sorority is that you are a member for life! Sorority life for me continues well after I graduate. There are alumni chapters everywhere after you graduate.

10.) Have FUN! Even though the media isn’t always accurate with the picture of greek life. Greek life is pretty awesome so if you join, enjoy it!

Here are a few pics from different events and experiences I have had with my sorority. Remember to click below to read all the different posts from my blogger besties! Hope you enjoyed this post! Leave me a comment below telling me what you think!