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When you’re getting ready to head off to college, it’s an exciting and scary time. You’ll finally gain more independence, especially if you plan on living in a dorm on campus. You’ll have to make several big decisions, such as choosing your major, which clubs you want to join and what events you will attend.
One big decision you might have to make is whether or not to participate in Greek life at your college or university. A Gallup poll shows that around 750,000 students are in a fraternity or sorority, and over nine million are alums in the United States. How will you decide if joining a sorority is the right choice?
If you’re considering joining a sorority at your school, consider some of the main benefits sororities can offer below.
1. Meeting New People
One of the main reasons why young women become interested in joining a sorority is because it’s the perfect opportunity to meet new people and build friendships. Making friends as a new college student might seem intimidating.
A sorority will help you come out of your shell and make finding new friends much easier. Many women who join a sorority become lifelong friends and create memories for years to come.
2. Leadership Opportunities
Members of Greek life have the chance to pursue leadership roles in the sorority. For example, Delta Sigma Pi is a professional business sorority with these leadership positions:
- President
- Vice President
- VP, Pledge Education
- VP, Finance
- VP, Chapter Operations
- Chancellor
Gaining leadership skills in college can help you later on in life during your professional career.
3. Improved Interpersonal Skills
Social skills are essential and something you can always improve. Joining a sorority can help you do just that. Sorority environments require frequent communication between members, with other sororities and fraternities and various groups on campus.
If you join a sorority, your communication, socialization and interpersonal skills will vastly improve. You’ll also be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses and become more self-aware of how others perceive you.
4. Foster Professional Connections
Aside from gaining new friendships and becoming a part of something bigger than yourself, Greek life is also a catalyst for networking. Making professional connections in college can be hugely beneficial for your career. For example, Amanda Cruz of Alpha Sigma Tau from the Beta Omega chapter at Monmouth University used her sorority connections on Facebook.
Cruz connected with a former sorority member, who happened to be a small business owner and was hired right out of college. Sororities make the world smaller and create opportunities for you even after graduation.
5. Participate in Community Service
Another benefit of joining a sorority is that members often participate in volunteering events and perform various types of community service. Sororities are known to make a significant impact on their communities.
Many sororities work hard to incorporate philanthropy and service into their culture, encouraging members to brainstorm projects and initiatives to benefit the college or university community. Some sorority chapters raise hundreds or thousands of dollars for their charity of choice.
Consider Pledging to a Sorority in College
Suppose you’re preparing to go to college or are getting ready for the next semester. In that case, you might want to consider joining a sorority. The main benefits of joining a sorority include:
- Making close friends
- Learning leadership skills
- Engaging in community service
- Networking to help your career
- Improving your social skills
Becoming a sorority member might not be right for you, but the only way you’ll know is if you pledge. Having a supportive group of women in your corner will help make the college transition much easier.
