Before I joined a sorority, I wasn’t very involved on campus. I went to class and participated in my work study. That was about it.
But I wanted more than that. I felt like my college experience was incomplete and could be solved by putting myself out there. I started by signing up for sorority recruitment.
During recruitment, I discussed with each chapter how I was eager to find an organization to check all my boxes: something that would fill my time, provide philanthropic opportunities and help me meet new people. As I spoke to members from each organization, I quickly learned that they wanted to help me get involved with more.
Joining Other Organizations
Most sorority women participate in other extracurriculars on campus. Whether it’s being captain of the dance team, serving on the executive board of the Student Government Association or taking care of the campus cats, many members have something else they are a part of and encourage other sisters to join.
I remember being asked to be an editor for the school newspaper by the sports editor and now-friend Faith had asked. It was shortly after recruitment, and she recently joined a Panhellenic organization, as well. This made me feel confident that I could handle both. When I attended an editor meeting the next week, I discovered that most of the room was either affiliated with sorority or fraternity life.
Building Leadership Skills for Those Organizations
Alongside my editor position, I was elected as vice president of public relations (VPPR) for Gamma Phi Beta. In this role, I gained several leadership skills that applied to my second year as editor and my promotion to editor-in-chief.
I sharpened my copywriting and graphic design skills to market our chapter via social media. While I wasn’t in charge of my newspaper’s social media, learning different styles of writing was key for supporting other sections of the newspaper.
Communicating professionally was another skill I improved upon. As VPPR, I discussed problems and achievements with sisters and worked with vendors to plan social events. I applied these skills to my editing when dealing with constructive criticism. All edits were now delivered clearly and concisely for writers to understand. Explaining why edits were suggested helped writers learn what to do and not to do for future stories.
Juggling Different Organizations
Now, in my senior year, I am editor-in-chief, VPPR of my school’s Panhellenic council, intern at the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) and continue my work study. While this list may seem overwhelming, navigating Gamma Phi Beta has helped me fine-tune my time management skills.
Taking breaks and time for myself is also necessary when juggling several extracurriculars. My sisterhood stresses balance and helps me find it. Sometimes I feel like I must be productive to keep up, but designating time when I turn off my screens and dedicate time to something I enjoy is crucial to prevent burnout.
And if that free time is spent with sisters, it’s usually twice as fun.
