Shelby Glenna

Jennifer Hudgens

WRD 110-055

11 October 2015

As a whole, most wonder what sorority women really do. Every college has a sorority row that is lined with big, beautiful houses, but most don’t know what they represent. A number of people wonder if we do anything positive, or if we are more than the stereotypical party girl. This photo is of the Delta Gamma house at the  University of Kentucky; I am a member of this sorority. I am going to use this picture to describe what this house, and more importantly the people inside it, really mean to me.

Due to many television series and movies the way sorority women are portrayed has never been appealing. There is no correct representation of what Greek life is actually like and all the positive opportunities that come along with it (Hageman Pg.1). As a whole sororities get no credit for the positive roles they play in the community because many do not realize just how much they do. Every sorority has different values and different organizations they are involved with. Not only do Greeks raise thousands of dollars for their specific philanthropy, but they also go above and beyond in their community for that specific cause as well. 30% of women at the University of Kentucky are in sororities that help a range of organizations from Service for Sight to Make a Wish and St. Jude’s Research (Education Ranking & Advice: University of Kentucky Pg.1). With money raised by chapters on campus and community service requirements this alone helps children located in Lexington.

Other than helping raise awareness for each individual philanthropy one other huge part of Greek Life is the education we are acquiring while being a member. The main goal is to graduate college with the best grades possible. Every chapter has a grade point average requirement that you can not drop below, most of them being a minimum of a 3.0. This pushes women to do their best in school, and ultimately helps them to achieve higher. Women involved in Greek Life at the university of Kentucky are proven to have a higher graduation rate and GPA then non Greek life members (Hageman Pg.1). Sorority women at UK are held accountable for their actions and education. They have two hundred and fifty “sisters” as a support system every step of the way. Although it may seem

like a lot, this picture shows a majority of the Delta Gamma members together at a retreat. Having so many girls that share the same values as you and can help lead you through your freshman year is an advantage over other freshman. If you are struggling in a class, or just in general, there is an older sister somewhere that has been through the exact same thing and can aid you.

The opportunities and friendships made in a sorority are endless. Networking is just one of the numerous advantages women involved in Greek life have. Not only do you have current chapter members you are able to reach out to, but the amount of former members of each specific sorority are enormous (Hageman Pg.1). It is a huge advantage when entering the business world. Having sorority involvement on an application or resume allows the interviewer to know that you are well rounded, hard working, and care about the community you are involved in.

          Greek Life gives women a chance to strive for better. With becoming a member in a chapter you are given endless opportunities for numerous leadership rolls. Between all of the different positions that can be held anyone is capable if they truly want it. This alone also helps you grow as an individual and allows guidance in such a difficult period of your life. Being in a sorority pushes you to new heights, which is why so many successful business and men come out of Greek life. 

This biggest con many can find about sorority life is the time and financial commitment (Hageman Pg.1). With such great opportunities and doors opened, it does come at a cost. Every sorority requires their chapter members to pay dues, and although it is by no means cheap, it is something that is needed in order for a chapter to survive. Although finances are already an issue for most college students, if you are able to come up with the money it is definitely worth it in the end. What you get out is far greater than what you put in.

The time commitment is something many also worry about. Adjusting to the work load in college is not easy, but throwing in meetings, events, and requirements set can also be intimidating. Although these worries are credible, they should not discourage giving Greek life a chance. Although it can be challenging at times, it is something that is by no means unreasonable. Everyone as a whole is urged to become involved in an organization in college. Greek life is a prime example.

This photo was taken on Bid Day. It shows all the new members, also known as “babies,” together for their first time. I will use this picture to explain the feelings that come alone with this experience. (930)

Hageman, William. “Embracing the Greek life. Or not.” The Chicago Tribune [Chicago, Illinois]  06 August 2013. Web. 11 October 2015.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-08-06/features/sc-fam-0806-greek-pro-con-20130806_1_greek-life-sorority-fraternity

“Education Ranking & Advice: University of Kentucky.” U.S. News & World Report. Us News & World Report. 2015. Web. 11 October 2015.

http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/university-of-kentucky-1989