Greek Life: It Exists!
Last year, right around this time I wrote a blog post called “Sorority Girl?” detailing my journey from a sorority skeptic to a proud sister of Alpha Phi. I won’t repeat what I wrote in that post, but basically, I had just gone through recruitment and gotten a bid to my sorority. Just a few days earlier, I was so against “going Greek.” All I knew of sorority life was the stereotypes I had seen in the media, and let’s just say, I did not have a good image of Greek organizations. Also, I simply didn't know that sororities and fraternities even existed at Tufts (a sentiment I am sure is true for a lot of you too).
Well, I’m here to tell you, they exist! In fact, there are three sororities and ten fraternities (one of which is actually co-ed). I know, ten fraternities is A LOT, right? I was shocked to learn this information when I first arrived on campus. When I applied to Tufts, I didn't even know that Greek life was an option at Tufts, let alone the sizeable presence it has on campus. Let me clarify… Greek life is certainly not a huge part of the Tufts experience (or even a very big part of it) but it definitely has an important and lasting presence on the Tufts community. For many people involved in sororities and fraternities, it really does become a big part of their overall Tufts life, and for those not in a Greek organization, it still registers on their radar.
About two weeks ago was formal recruitment and each sorority and fraternity received brand new members. This year was the largest year for sorority recruitment ever with approximately 230 people going through recruitment. As I saw all the excited faces of the new members, I couldn't help but reflect on my year as a sorority girl. One year later, I couldn't believe the impression my sorority had made on my life at Tufts. While it certainly didn't become the center of my life, it provided me with a whole new community of people. Suddenly, I had a whole network of upperclassmen to ask questions about classes, housing, and internships. I had a whole new group of girls to meet after the excitement of first semester freshmen year faded. I had new social and philanthropic opportunities that I didn't have before. Most importantly though, I had some potential new best friends.
While I went through recruitment with a few of my close friends, there were a few girls that I didn't know at all before joining my sorority. Now, I call many of these people my best friends. In fact, next year I am living with seven of my sisters, four of whom hold leadership positions (including the president!) While I am not nearly as involved in Alpha Phi as they are, I still am so happy with the relationships and connections I have made because of this organization.
When people ask me to describe my involvement in Greek life (particularly some of my friends and family who are sorority skeptics), I tend to use this analogy: Being in a sorority is like the cherry on top of my Tufts experience. It’s not everything about me, but rather just something extra, something special that enhances the overall picture.
A former anti- Greek life, stereotype- believing, self- proclaimed sorority skeptic is now officially a sorority girl.