Finding Your Place: Greek Life on Campus

By Lily Sanders

If you told my high school self she would be in a Panhellenic sorority, you would elicit the most dramatic eye roll humanly possible. Back then, I was infamous for my fluorescent lipstick of the week and a cycling rotation of Dr. Martens. I was a distance runner, involved in theater, and generally kept to a tight-knit circle of eccentric friends.

Flash forward to freshman year of college, finding my niche in a school with tens of thousands of students was quite a feat––especially coming from the smallest public high school in New Jersey where I graduated with a class of around 60 students.

In a spur of the moment decision, I decided to go out for sorority recruitment. I didn't have the most glowing perception of Greek life. I had seen the infamous viral sorority house door chants and was skeptical.

Over the years, my dad told horror stories of his fraternity pledge freshman roommate who used to create spit stalactites on the ceiling of their dorm. My mom went to a women’s college with no opportunity or inclination to join Greek life, so the idea was never really something I considered. However, I thought I would still give it a chance.

One January weekend, I moved from room to room meeting women from each organization. Making small talk and walking in heels all day was intimidating. The process was overwhelming and the hours were long. I came to the conclusion that a sorority was not the place for me and dropped after the second day. For the remainder of my freshman year, I threw myself into my school work and extracurriculars and met more people along the way.

As my sophomore year began, I still felt out of place and seriously considered transferring. I got a text from a friend letting me know that her sorority was doing informal recruitment and thought, “why not?” I met with two women at a table by Richie’s and chatted for 30ish minutes about everything from honors courses to fashion to where to find the best sushi in the city.

I joined my organization in the fall of 2018, and I have had my ups and downs throughout. Initially, I wondered if I was joining a cult. The word “sister,” viral video chants at the doors of sorority houses, and publicized hazing horror stories gave me reservations. I did not want to be a part of something that did not represent my ideals, so I proceeded with caution.

While I do think there are pervading systemic issues around Greek life regarding hazing, sexual misconduct, and privilege that require action––they do not reflect my overall, personal experience here at Temple. I have traveled across the country and even went to Israel this past winter break with the women I have met.

My sisters run student organizations, hold amazing internships, and support each other along the way. I am very grateful for that.