One common myth is that sororities’ main priority is partying. This story has been used against sororities and Greek organizations as a whole in different types of media (movies, shows, books, the list goes on…). Not only is this not true, as there are rules and regulations both from all national headquarters and all college campuses individually, but it’s hurtful to the existing, actual practices that the sorority holds.
In Alpha Sigma Alpha, there is so much more beyond social events; philanthropy and service events, academic standards, rituals and traditions and sisterhood events all contribute to helping us develop both the sisterhood and ourselves. For example, my chapter holding me to an academic standard pushed me to do my best during a couple of difficult semesters. I know one of my favorite parts of my chapter experience was attending ritual services pertaining to the development and upholding of the sorority, such as Initiation or a Dedication Day ceremony, because it made me realize that I was part of something bigger.
Another unfortunate myth about sororities is the concept that you’re “buying” your friends. I can’t sit here and tell you that you don’t have to pay dues, because you do. But the dues that are required by the chapter and national headquarters are how your chapter funds events and sorority benefits. Recruitment events, philanthropic events, sisterhood events, professional development events and other chapter functions wouldn’t exist without maintaining chapter and national dues.
The idea that women start to think about joining a sorority in the first place to reach out and find new friends can be true to an extent, but this is why sororities as a whole are so important. Touching back on the myth that sororities are all about partying, sororities are an excellent way to find women with the same values as you, help you grow as an individual both personally and professionally and help make connections to the rest of the world. Just like how I love the ritual aspect of Alpha Sigma Alpha, you get reminded of the purpose of sororities and the women who founded what it means to be a sorority woman.
One last myth that has been said about sororities is that they’re a waste of time and too much of a time commitment. My response to that is that you get out exactly as much as you put into the experience. All chapters run differently, but it’s nearly impossible to attend every chapter function during any given semester, but the more that you do attend, the more that you will grow within the chapter and the deeper bonds that you will form.
Taking on a position will help you learn professional skills and gain experience in those settings. Taking on more responsibilities will lead you to prepare for your future in the professional world. For example, if you explain your experience being involved in leading philanthropy and service events, you will have shown good communication, leadership and organizational skills to your potential employer.
These myths are all reasons that sororities can get a bad reputation, but Alpha Sigma Alpha challenges us all to combat those stereotypes and create a legacy for ourselves and our chapters. Whether it’s how we spend our time, how we utilize chapter dues or how “worth it” the sorority experience is, we have the opportunity to make the best of all of them.