At schools across the country, sorority recruitment season has already begun. Many potential new members (also known as PNMs) have already committed to Greek life while others research potential sororities to join. Can’t decide on whether to join a sorority? To get some insight on how Greek life impacts your college experience, we asked five students what they wish they knew before they joined a sorority.
It wasn't the only thing that mattered in college.
“Before I joined a sorority, I wish that I had known I would love it, but it wasn’t the only thing that mattered in college. I spent so much time worrying about it and carried so much anxiety through the [rush] process, and that just wasn’t necessary. My advice to girls who want to join is to take it one day at a time and stay positive. Having sorority sisters is one of the easiest ways to make friends on campus, and you never really stop making them [once you’ve joined]. I’m a senior this year and I just started hanging out with girls I have never spent time with before. It’s such a great community to have and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about rushing to give it a try.” —Jordan Miller, Gamma Phi Beta at the University of Alabama
It is a large time commitment.
“I wish I would have known before joining my sorority that it is a large time commitment. Going through recruitment, I was thinking so much about meeting friends that I overlooked the amount of time that goes into everything. Whether it’s the community service requirements or the professional development seminars, members of sororities almost always have something they have to attend.” —Levi Sebree, Delta Zeta at Ball State University
Recruitment has its ups and downs, but everything truly works out the way it's meant to.
“As exciting as recruitment is, the harsh reality is that you will inevitably get dropped from sororities, even ones that you may have believed were the perfect fit for you. In the moment it is okay to be upset, but it is even more important to keep an open mind and a positive attitude. Recruitment has its ups and downs, but everything truly works out the way it’s meant to. As I approach the one-year mark of joining my sorority, I can’t imagine that I would have fit in better anywhere else. I’ve found some of my best friends—and the support I have received from this group of girls has allowed me to grow and succeed in so many different ways.” — Sammy Napolitano, Kappa Delta at Ohio State University
There's more to sorority life than the girls you meet and the pictures you take.
“I wish I would’ve known that there’s so much more to sorority life than just the girls you meet and the pictures you take. I’ve become more inspired by my chapter and the women that run it. I joined something bigger than myself and it impacts me every day to be stronger and more courageous. I rushed as a junior, but I wish I would’ve done it sooner.” — Allie Sarachene, Delta Gamma at Kent State University
I realized that Greek life can really help enhance your leadership skills.
“Before I went through recruitment, I thought sororities were mainly a way to make new friends and enhance my social life in college, especially as a freshman when I hadn’t really found my niche yet. But after joining a sorority, I realized that Greek life can really help enhance your leadership skills too. I wasn’t super confident in high school, but since joining a sorority, I’ve become a member of my chapter’s executive board and am now the recruitment director for the Panhellenic Council where I oversee the entirety of my school’s sorority recruitment. I’ve really discovered a lot about myself—especially as a leader—and I have my sorority to thank for that.” — Lexa Krajewski, Alpha Epsilon Phi at Boston University
Not every single sister will be your best friend, and that's okay.
What do you wish you’d known before recruitment? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured photo by @itsdemib.
