renegade mind of a sorority girl

It’s been a square month since I’ve entered Greek life. Since then, I’ve gone through some of the basic traditions towards becoming a full-time active member, such as going through the first degree of initiation, getting a big sis and new family, wearing letters, and learning to put a distinction between myself and my sorority.

I know I’m lucky to go to UCSD, where Greek life is less intense than at other schools, because I still have many opportunities to have a life outside of my chapter. I love my sisters, but I like having non-affiliated friends, too. Entering a sorority is a little like going back to high school: you’re thrust back into cliques with the occasionally catty girl or two. It’s nice to have an extended network of girls who have a connection to you and will talk to you regardless of how different you are, but there is the drama expected of placing 80-100+ girls into a room together. Having friends who don’t have an idea what Presents and Serenades are is a delightfully different change of pace.

There’s some definite truth in saying that I’m not a typical sorority girl. Half the time I forget I’m even affiliated, actually, because I live with girls who aren’t and are friends with girls who aren’t. In fact, I hold a certain set level of annoyance towards any Greek girls who don’t hold themselves at least slightly aloof. If keeping myself from being overwhelmed in just Alpha Alpha Alpha-life means skipping a few sisterhood events and exchanges, then I’m alright with that.

Maybe this means that I’m not taking advantage of the situation that I’ve been put in. Say what you will, but in a sense I am paying for friends. There’s no specific guarantee that I’ll like everyone in my chapter, but joining a sorority is allowing yourself to be scheduled into social events, where you’ll at least learn to be acquaintances with a far larger circle of people than you would meet otherwise. I love my sisters, but I refuse to let myself be limited by them. I am more than my chapter, and far more than a sorority girl.