go greek?
Greek life in college has raised a lot of controversy and is not always seen as a good thing. Fraternities and sororities can be subject to negative stereotypes, including perceptions of excessive partying, hazing, and other undesirable behaviors. Individuals hesitate to join Greek life due to concerns about these stereotypes and the potential impact on their personal reputation. Though greek life has many negative connotations, that has not been my experience.
Starting college in 2020 was an extremely difficult time, I spent a lot of time in my dorm room and ended up spending most of the year at home. The biggest challenge I faced was making friends, coming from a small, I knew everyone in my graduating class from a very young age. I thought about going greek and went to an AOII event. Even on Zoom sisters were welcoming and wanted to know my true self. They emphasized that their values were creating lifelong friendships with a supportive group of women, which gave me some comfort and I immediately felt at home. Leaving home for the first time away from my family and my sister was challenging but the idea of having my sorority sisters at school gave me a sense of peace, creating my home away from home. Going AOII was the best decision I’ve made, my sisters believe in me and push me to be the best I can be, and I am so grateful to be surrounded by so many empowering women who love me for me.
I never expected to be in a sorority, let only one at VCU. As I am about to graduate, I can say that joining greek life was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My time in my sorority has changed my life for the better. Not only have I gained confidence in myself, but I’ve had the opportunity to hold several leadership positions in which my sisters believed in me before I believed in myself. I can proudly say that I have made lifelong friendships and have grown tremendously. I can look back at freshman me and tell her that life will get better and you will be ok.
