Two weeks ago I participated in the zero-stress, easy breezy weekend that is sorority recruitment.
As a sophomore, I already had close friends in a few of the houses and had mentally ranked the houses based on what I had heard about each of them. I knew which sororities my friends called “hot” and which they thought were average.
Long recruitment story short, I ended up accepting a bid from the house I initially ranked sixth. Somehow, throughout the days of forced small talk and stumbling around in heels, I met the most genuine, down-to-earth girls in this house.
I felt a real connection.
Even after I realized my initial mistake in judgement, I was nervous to tell people which house I chose. How do I tell my best friend in the so-called “hot” sorority? What would cute frat guy from Spanish class think?
The thing is, you cannot define a college student simply. I may be copy editor for the Scout, but I am not just a grammar freak. I may play Pokémon on my DS, but I am not just a nerd/Pokémaster.
I am much more than my sorority, and my sorority is much more than me. The house I joined cannot be defined simply. The girls in the house are each complex in their own ways and make up a very complex house, none of which can be labeled in a single word or phrase.
The kind of peer pressure I felt before and during recruitment isn’t just a sorority thing. If you think it doesn’t affect fraternity recruitment, download Yik Yak (#DUchbags).
It also isn’t just a greek thing.
Don’t let your sorority, fraternity or other group define who you are. We are young college students; we are all still in our developmental years. The groups we are a part of should help us grow and give us opportunities, not label us.
“Go Far” does not mean create a box for yourself and stay in it. Forget what others think and be open for experience.
