Pledging a Sorority: Everything You Need to Know
What comes to mind with the term “sorority?” Pillow wars, massive white homes, pairs of pearls, and sweaters? Hollywood might have you believe so, but things aren’t quite that way.
A sorority can be a fantastic way for many women to develop lifelong connections, create a more intimate community within a university setting, and discover career growth and service opportunities.
Many sororities have opted to utilize new terminology called “New Member Education” due to the negative connotations associated with phrases like “pledge.”
Although many college girls have gone through a sorority pledge, those who haven’t joined a sorority are unaware of what the procedure entails. Fortunately, this article will guide you on how to survive pledging a sorority.
4 Things You Need to Know Before Pledging a Sorority
Time Commitment
A sorority pledge involves participating in various events and gatherings, most of which are compulsory. Because of this, pledging usually requires a significant time commitment from collegiates.
Learning about the various facets of their sorority can be time-consuming for new members. They must demonstrate a knowledge of the present members of their sorority and the organization’s mission and core principles by completing the pledging process.
Many sororities even have a final entrance exam that tests pledges’ knowledge, requiring them to learn random things about the organization and its members during the pledging period.
Pledges are often required to attend numerous other events, including required study sessions, weekly meetings, and other social gatherings, and the time they spend studying about their sororities.
Most members spend their time volunteering in the local, national, and international communities, while certain members may spend some time arranging events and practicing for step shows.
While each sorority has its customs and rituals, you can often anticipate spending a portion of every day with your line sisters, reviewing your chapter’s past, or participating in other required rites.
Drama
It’s not uncommon for ladies to fight among themselves when sorority life is chaotic. The pledging procedure is frequently accompanied by drama and rumors. Although becoming familiar with the existing members is meant to foster a sense of sisterhood, things sometimes turn out differently than planned.
There will inevitably be issues with that many girls because gossip and drama go hand in hand. Of course, you love all of your sisters, but let’s be real: enough is enough. Either you’re heavily involved, or you’re in the middle.
Understanding the distinction between constructive and destructive conflict is crucial since not all disagreement is “drama.” Some circumstances may help you grow as a chapter and as a person.
Other circumstances will only hurt you and your sisters. Recognizing each of these conflicts is crucial to respond to them appropriately.
Hazing
Yes, there have been hazing incidents. Anything from making the pledges commit disgusting acts at a sorority and fraternity house to making them incredibly drunk, causing humiliation, isolation, and a lack of sleep and sexual activity. Even though these occurrences are extremely uncommon, the news did cover them.
There is always at least one sorority chapter that hazes and causes trouble. Some are more known for “showing their eligibility to be a member” or “hazing.” Hazing can have dangerous consequences since it compels participants to engage in actions intended to make them feel uneasy.
Although some sororities still engage in it, many schools are trying to crack down on it. Numerous institutions maintain zero-tolerance hazing rules and employ additional strategies to stop it.
For instance, the University of Alabama offers a hotline where students should report hazing offenses to the university. Following a series of anonymous phone calls, the university halted all pledging operations in the fall of last year.
Hazing other girls by sorority members have numerous long-term effects. While some of these impacts are psychological, others are physical. The list that follows is inexhaustive, but it shows some of the most typical impacts on the participating women:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Disorders of eating
- PTSD
- Overuse of drugs
- Sleep problems
Big-Little Relationships
During the new member phase, which occurs before initiation, all freshmen in a sorority are paired with their big. “Small sister” or simply “little” is a common term for the potential new member who gets a big sister.
This partnership aims to help you adjust to college and sorority life and provide you with a trusted confidante. A “big” tries to be a good friend and mentor to her tiny, setting a good example.
They accomplish this in a variety of ways. Some might be as straightforward as introducing you to other sorority members and participating in chapter events together.
Your big can be a wonderful help with academics, advising you on which classes to take or introducing you to campus services you might not be aware of. However, some bigs are unwilling to invest the necessary time in their littles to foster a sense of acceptance and appreciation.
But then, all kinds of big and little relationships are special and will have distinct looks, but they all have a solid connection in common. It’s a fantastic chance for you to adjust to college and sorority life.
Pledging a Sorority – Conclusion
Sorority membership continues after you graduate. Many women choose a new grad chapter to call home; once you’ve pledged, you’re a member for life. Your sorors will support you in all aspects, from graduation to marriage. Wear your letters and colors with pride because you are now family.
Suppose you’re concerned that joining a sorority will oblige you to perform incredibly embarrassing acts like competing in goldfish-eating contests; you should know that these demands are unlikely to be made.
The most extravagant “hazing” ceremonies have largely been abolished thanks to state laws and school restrictions. During the sorority pledging process, your main duties are demonstrating sisterhood, dedication, and loyalty.
Also, most women join sororities for reasons related to their families. Others join just because they enjoy the colors. However, you should consider which sorority is suitable for you.
Ultimately, the pledging a sorority process is a test to see if it’s right for you. For some people, it’s truly great, while for others, it wasn’t that great.
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