Being a new member of a sorority can be difficult- you have a bunch of new sisters, new letters, and a new group to integrate yourself into. However, it isn’t always the smooth sailing you see in idyllic Tumblr photos of shiny smiles paired with deep sorority squats. Many—I would even say most—girls don’t always feel as though they are as popular or well liked as others within their sorority. These feelings are normal, and changeable. You have the power to become the ‘It-Girl’ of your sorority! Here’s how:
Be yourself
Remember recruitment? You were nervous, word-vomiting, shaky, and most likely sweaty. Despite all this, the girls in your sorority saw you as smart, lovely, intelligent, and valuable. These girls chose you and want to get to know you. You are enough.
Don’t be afraid to reach out
Shake off the fear of rejection and remember: They wanted you for exactly who you were. During the new member period, it is easy for actives to get overwhelmed by the number of new girls and only reach out to a few. Don’t let yourself feel ignored!
Other girls may be feeling the same way you are—you can start the trend by reaching out to girls who you don’t immediately become friends with. So many girls met their big/best friend/bridesmaid by talking to someone they never thought they’d get along with. Open yourself up to those kinds of surprises!
Don’t let yourself get resentful
Instead of feeling bitter for not being given as much attention as other girls, start working to get to know your sisters! If they don’t know you, they won’t know how great you are. Period. It may feel awkward, but people join sororities for the sisterhood; be a part of it!
Don’t prioritize boys!!
Channel your inner Sporty Spice and remember NOBODY can be your lover if they don’t get with your friends. While mixers and date parties are fun, sororities are joined for the sisters not for the male company. Don’t be that boy-crazy sorority girl!
Keep it classy
Be a supportive sister both during your GNO’s by refusing to talk behind your sisters’ backs, and out on the town by handling your liquor and holding the hair of those who don’t. Supporting and prioritizing your sorority relationships will create the lifelong friends that are part of the promise of Greek organizations. Being a drunken burden or persistent gossip is not a part of that.
Get involved
The fastest way to gain respect and appreciation in your sorority is to give back to it! Find a position or leadership role that speaks to your abilities and work to improve your sorority. Your sisters will work closely with you and notice the effort you put in, and being a kind, helpful, generous person will make you an amazing friend.
Make friends with the leadership
Lets be honest, the executive board of your sorority can sometimes hold your life in their hands- whether it be banning you from social events or assigning you your little, having these girls as your enemies can only do you harm. Help them out when they ask for it, and they may look favorably upon you when you get called into standards for dancing on the bar.
Commit
If all else fails, be sure to make a commitment to the group and follow through on your obligations. Like every important thing in life, what you put into your sorority is what you’ll get out of it. Investing time not only in socials, but also in meaningful work, will add a new level to sorority life that you may treasure forever.
Being well-liked is all about confidence, and sorority life is no exception. If you show that you are about your sisters and the group as a whole, you will soon be a memorable and important part of your sisterhood—the best kind of ‘ It Girl’!
