My Big Fat Greek Life

I won't deny that overall, sororities may come across as a problem for young women. From reports of hazing and sexual harassment to the promotion of poor self-esteem and body criticism, they can be harmful and in some cases downright destructive. They also seem to foster really bad decisions -- let's not forget about the deranged emails and offensive party themes we've seen recently.

However, my own experiences in a sorority were overwhelmingly positive. This isn't a trite tale of sisterhood, one where I reminisce fondly about holding hands and charity bake sales. For me, my sorority at Wright State has offered me the chance to be a part of a community of intelligent, competent professionals-- an opportunity I benefited from enormously. I go to a college where only a small percent of students were involved in Greek life. I never rushed, thought about it a few times, but never joined a sorority until it was almost too late.

This past year has brought me the most amazing people in my life that I don’t know what I would do without. People from my chapter, sisters in other chapters at different universities, different sororities on campus, and especially the fraternities on campus! Being in college a little longer than the average student may seem a little “confusing” to some when I say, “I wouldn’t change a single thing about my college experience.” If I would have never changed majors, I would have already graduated and out in the real world. But instead, I stuck around…joined Greek Life and having the most amazing time with the people I have in my life.

My experience might be uncommon, but it's not irrelevant as long as people are making claims like "most members of fraternities and sororities are relatively insane." We only hear about sororities when they do something wrong, because good experiences don't make those clicky headlines. Sororities can bring out immeasurable cruelty in young women, but they don't have to, and MANY don't. They can be, and are, positive presences in the lives of many people-- something to keep in mind the next time one chapter of one sorority messes up.