It’s hard to believe that nearly 25 years have passed since I decided to join a sorority. Yes, I was one of those girls—a genuine sorority sister back in ’91. We were often labeled as “bowheads,” accused of purchasing friendships, and became the punchline of countless jokes. Our teased-up hairstyles drew endless jibes, yet amidst all the stereotypes, I cherished every moment spent adorned in those pastel pink and green Greek letters, surrounded by incredible women who mentored and befriended me.
This fall, on more than 650 college campuses across the U.S., about 150,000 young women will line up at the grand entrances of their respective sororities. With breath mints in hand and anxious smiles, they’ll prepare to make their best first impressions on a group of strangers. Some may be the first in their families to go Greek, while others will be following in the footsteps of their mothers and grandmothers. It’s essentially a high-stakes job interview, where personality, grace, and humor must shine through in a quick, unplanned 15-minute chat—often starting with the dreaded “What’s your major?”
During recruitment week, these potential new members, or PNMs, will navigate from house to house, attending “ice water, philanthropy, and pref” parties, all hoping to receive a bid from a sorority at the end of the week. To outsiders, this whole process might seem outdated or superficial, possibly even phony. And while that can be true at some campuses, I remember recruitment week as a rite of passage—a time when I had to summon my courage and go out to find my tribe. Lucky for me, I did.
My sorority years in the early ’90s were packed with lessons about life, collaboration, and building meaningful female friendships. I discovered that nobody looks great in white satin unless they’re walking down the aisle, and that having a vast wardrobe isn’t so bad when you can share it among friends. I learned that everyone has hidden talents; you just need to know how to bring them to light. Some women exude confidence that’s infectious, while the quiet ones surprise you in the best ways. I found out that being the top of the social ladder can get tiresome, and that delegation is key—especially if pie is involved.
I realized that singing brings smiles, except when it leads to tears, which is also perfectly fine. Your self-worth isn’t dictated by your weight. Life unfolds at its own pace, and nothing worthwhile happens after 2 a.m. unless it involves pizza, ice cream, or deep conversations on oversized couches. I learned that sometimes it’s better to listen than to give advice, and that iconic TV shows are best enjoyed with friends. Most importantly, I discovered that no matter the challenge, there’s always a girlfriend ready to help—just like you’d find a helpful app.
Now, 25 years later, I see that the promises we made about sisterhood have truly stood the test of time. Rising from the remnants of big hair and flashy outfits are remarkable women—we’ve become judges, doctors, educators, and entrepreneurs. We’ve fought cancer, run marathons, traveled the globe, and returned to our roots. We’ve swapped Greek letters for impressive titles like CEO, CMO, and yes, MOM.
When we gather, even if it’s just a handful of us, something magical occurs. We revert to our youthful selves, sharing laughter and stories as if no time has passed. Whether we were Thetas, Tri-Delts, or Kappas, when we’re together, it’s as if we’re transported back in time. Hand us a candle and play a nostalgic tune, and you’ll see us swaying together, reminiscing about our past and celebrating the bonds that have only deepened with age. And as we look into each other’s eyes, we can’t help but breathe a collective sigh of relief: “Thank goodness there were no cell phone cameras back in those days.”
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In summary, my sorority days may have been filled with stereotypes and laughter, but they laid the groundwork for lifelong friendships and invaluable life lessons. Those memories remain cherished, connecting us through the years.
Keyphrase: Sorority experience
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