After four years of sorority life, I have pretty much heard it all.

I’ve been assimilated to many of those awful stereotypes, such as promiscuous, wild, and ill-virtued.

But EVERY sorority is different. In an effort to explain the strange traditions and sisterly bond, I will share my story.

I was not exactly prepared for college life as an incoming freshman. With twelve years of Catholic school behind me and a core group of girlfriends who were too caught up in extracurriculars to party, I was naïve to say the least.

… And then came college.

I decided to attend Bryant University, a small private institution in New England. I wanted to be “close enough” to home but still have my space. I’m sure we’ve all considered that option. Bryant offered my major, a beautiful campus and a President, “Prez Machtley”—as the students don him—who was warm and welcoming. It quickly became my home.

First semester, I became a member of four organizations and started volunteering.  I was even on Dean’s List. I met Danielle, a girl who lived down the hall and was just like me. She and I could make each other laugh to tears, and we would always find ourselves in harmless mischief on the weekends. We quickly became best friends.

But sometimes that harmless mischief took a turn. We Partied. Skipped class. And made mistakes.
Second semester, Danielle convinced me to attend National Pan-Hellenic sorority formal recruitment. At Formal Recruitment, on campus sororities host events where those interested learn more about the organizations. It is a lengthy process, but by the end the sororities have a list of bids to give to recruits. (It is as militant as it sounds).

At recruitment the girls seemed nice, but I had no intention of joining because I held the same stereotypical views that books like Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities, by Alexandra Robbins, help promote.

Then I met Amy.

She was President of Sigma Sigma Sigma,  a business major, beautiful and witty.

That’s when I realized those girls were not promiscuous. They were reserved, intelligent and compassionate.
With their awards of “Highest GPA” and “Most Philanthropic Organization”, I was no longer joining for a frat party.  I was hoping to join the elite ranks of the most determined, educated and motivated women on campus.
My plans were set. However, my parents, being extremely traditional, were less than thrilled when they heard my decision to join a sorority, but it was MY decision.

(Yes, they were providing me the opportunity of a lifetime by sending me to Bryant, but I was growing, by making my own decision and paving the way of my independence. Even if they did not agree or understand it, they supported me.)

It was the best decision we both could have made.

Greek life held the stigma of campus troublemakers. The Greek Life hall was always trashed and hazing was still relevant. Yes, Greek Life had its issues but what angered its members was how other organizations including the cheerleading squad and football team’s use of hazing or fighting were never addressed. Greek life, as a whole, was an outlet to blame for campus troubles.

Is there still hazing? Yes.

Is there Binge Drinking? Yes.

Is there sexual assault? Yes.

But that’s not Greek Life.

It is a combination of a college campus, alcohol and irresponsible students. In college it is more important than ever to be responsible. Be responsible for your actions. Be aware. And do not let anyone take advantage of you, your situation or circumstances. I can nearly guarantee, you will make mistakes but by making responsible choices they will be limited.

Over my sorority tenure, I learned the drags of recruiting, the depth of involvement and the importance of time management, but I also learned the bonds that last a lifetime, gained a commitment to the community and the feeling of accomplishment.

My “sisters” have fostered who I have become and what I have accomplished. I was recently selected as one of three candidates from a class of 1,000 students to interview for the Recent Alumni Trustee position.

Take life on. Cherish bonds that will last a lifetime. Help the community. Join a Sorority.