Why joining a sorority is the best choice for you
Let me start by saying I — like some of you — was totally against Greek life at the beginning of my first year at the University of Idaho.
I lived in the Wallace Residence Center during my freshman year. There was never anything unbearably bad about it, but I quickly learned that UI Greek students were simply making more out of their college experience than I was.
Erin Bamer
Before college, the only exposure I had to fraternity and sorority life was through rumors and the media. Both of these outlets rely heavily on stereotypes and have a negative bias, so I was led to believe Greek students were nothing but perfect plastic clones of one another who don’t care about academics and just get wasted every day. However, I quickly learned this wasn’t the case, at least for Greek life at UI.
Those in the Greek system appeared to have it all. Not only were they having more fun than I was, but many of them were getting good grades and participating in more events. I didn’t know how they were doing it, but I saw no reason why I couldn’t, or shouldn’t, be a part of it myself. So I rushed at the start of my sophomore year.
This has so far proved to be one of the best decisions I’ve made for my college career. Though my freshman year was far from horrible, my second year has already vastly improved from the first.
I have never met such a diverse and beautiful group of women than those who are in my sorority. The misconception that sorority girls are all identical Barbies is completely wrong, and it is clear once people just take a minute to look further.
The rumor about sorority girls being stupid is also not true. Already a good student, my grades have actually improved since being initiated. Most sororities and fraternities have certain academic requirements and encourage their members to get involved in other school organizations. So no, Greeks don’t discourage successful behaviors, they actually promote it.
Finally, one of the biggest reasons I’m glad I decided to rush was because of the amazing environment I entered upon joining the Greek system at UI. The atmosphere at my house is one of security and acceptance. I feel completely comfortable around my sisters at all hours of the day, and this may seem like a small thing, but it’s extremely important.
During my first year, I used to scoff at the sorority girls who traveled in packs to school events, out to dinner or even just to the library. The fact is though, doing activities in groups simply makes it more fun. I made way more friends in just one month of living in my sorority than I did in my entire freshman year, and they’re friends I’ll have for life. I’ll always be thankful to the UI Greek system for giving me that.
It’s unfortunate that so many more negative things are being associated with Greek life due to recent events, like what happened at the University of Oklahoma. These actions are inexcusable, of course, but I fear that some interested Vandals may assume this reflects the actions of the Greek houses at UI when it doesn’t. I fear they’ll miss out on some of the best experiences they’ll have in their entire lives because they’re reluctant to go Greek.
I took the risk by participating in rush, and it paid off. My experience in a sorority has included all of the good things I hoped it would bring and none of the bad. Going Greek helped make my college experience.
What I have to say to students thinking about joining the Greek system is this — I’m like you. I was hesitant, but going Greek is one of the best choices you’ll make at UI. If you take the risk, you won’t regret it.