Coming to UMass Amherst for the first time, I already knew I would have to spend some time getting fully acclimated to such a big campus. I would be so ready to join so many new clubs and organizations, but would never even consider joining Greek life. All of my interpretations of
Greek life and sororities came from the different shows and movies I watched, maybe even from brief descriptions of others’ experiences. But I would never consider joining a sorority and would immediately decline the idea. I feel as though many others feel the same way I do. That we’ll have this set understanding and thinking that sororities were just filled with people with cliques and nothing else, that it was filled with mean girls and rude guys and people who thought way too highly of themselves. (Or that’s how I first thought about it when I was new to it.)
I remember being new and first looking at the sorority I have now. I remember feeling intimidated and scared, unsure of what to expect next and what I was getting myself into. I was scared that I was going to have to be forced to do the things I didn’t like, that I would have to break
myself in order to be part of this organization, because that’s what I have always been shown when it came to Greek life. I didn’t know whether I would fit in with the other sisters of the organization or whether they would like me. Not only that, but I was terrified of the potential judgment I would receive from them, which was the main thing that had always pushed me away from sororities and Greek life. But despite my hesitation, my foot just kept instinctively taking another step closer and closer until I was on the other side of the line with letters on my chest. It felt as if my unconscious knew that I wanted this. And turns out, that literally NOTHING of what I had expected to happen happened.
After meeting so many people over the years I’ve spent with my organization, it’s like my love for it has grown. You could feel the passion that they had through the way they represented themselves and the love they had for not only themselves but for others as well. At first, I thought I would be an outcast because I felt my soft personality clashed with their strong demeanor, but they were the most welcoming group I have experienced during my time at UMass. My sorority helped me grow into who I am today, especially in the way I carry myself. It helped me develop more confidence and skills in communication and teamwork, and become more involved on campus. Not only that, but it also allowed me to carry out some of the leadership positions that I have always wanted, and it allowed me to be so much more involved in events as I’ve always wanted. I formed strong bonds with my organization’s sister, and I cherish them today. Throughout my time in my
organization, it gave me greater insight and enabled me to make more personal growth and impact.
Although Greek life might not be for everyone, and that’s okay, I still encourage being open to new experiences because they could surprise you. Even if it’s as small as meeting someone new or going to an event, you might see something that you might actually align with and are passionate about. I will always encourage students to explore new organizations that allow them to express their interests and values, and looking into Greek life is part of that exploration. Finding community is so important, especially on this giant campus; it’s easy to get lost. But being in a group where you can be grounded and supported makes such a difference. It could also help you develop who you are
and who you want to be.
So, although trying new experiences and new things may be scary and you may be hesitant, sometimes the biggest step you could take is just going past that fear and truly seeing what this new thing could offer you. And maybe, you’ll find yourself in something you love, whether that be a club, an RSO, or maybe just a new group of friends! At UMass Amherst, never be scared to try something new!
