Blog September 29

Recently I conducted a simple study to kick off my project. I asked ten completely random sorority girls on UK's campus what their specific sorority pushed them to do most. Every girl was in a different sorority on campus. Many answers involved being the best version of themselves and helping others, but eight out of the ten girls picked grades as their number one. Eight of the girls said that although sororities impact one’s life in multiple ways, the main thing they do is hold you accountable for is your grades/GPA. Every sorority has a grade point average requirement, most being at least a 3.0. This means if at any point you drop below that you are in serious trouble, but it does not stop there. They do not push you to settle at a 3.0. Every sorority pushes their fellow sisters to do the absolute best they can do, rather that's a 3.2 or 4.0. Although 3.0 is the lowest, many strive for more. Unlike non-sorority members that may have their parents and a few friends helping, you have 250 women helping you strive towards your goal. “I have an entire network of people helping me keep in mind what the real overall goal is. I am here to get the best grades possible and I am constantly reminded of that. When I am lacking motivation they are there to pick me up” Sophomore Pi Beta Phi said. Every sister wants to see their fellow members be successful. This is why many studies have shown that sorority women are more likely to graduate and have higher grade point averages compared to non-sorority members, specifically on the University of Kentucky’s campus. I will use this information to help back up my claim that sororities are more than the harsh judgments people cast down upon us.