By Briana Luca, Student at Iona College

Growing up, I always heard my mother and aunts talk about the time they spent in their sororities and how wonderful their experiences were. Because of them, Greek Life was always in the back of my mind.

During my sophomore year of college, I went to recruitment and was graced with incredible sisters and a sorority that has completely changed my life.

I never thought that joining a sorority would impact me as much as it has. My sorority is my life and has made me the person I am today, and I do not know what I would do without the support of my sisters and the feeling of empowerment that Greek Life gives me.

It has taught me so much about myself. Greek Life has shown me that anyone can be a leader, and if you just get in touch with that part of yourself and are passionate enough, you can change things.

My sorority has made me more passionate about life and has helped me grow as a person and do things that I never thought would be possible.

Joining Greek Life is the best decision anyone could ever make.

If you’re a college student who feels out of place, go out to recruitment and see if Greek Life is the place for you — it just might be. There is an organization for everyone; no matter the type of girl you are, there is a sisterhood out there for you.

It’s not just about growing as a person and making lifelong friendships — there is a long list of benefits that you can get from Greek Life.

1. Networking:
You can meet so many different people through your sorority. Those people know other people who might just be able to get you an internship or job. If you go to an interview for a job, the person interviewing you might be your sister and that is something you can bond over. Networking through your sorority is a huge bonus!

2. Leadership:
I never thought of myself as a leader — I was much better at taking orders than giving them — but I found that I really cared about what happened in my chapter and wanted to contribute to making it better. I stepped up as much as possible, and now I’m vice president. I never thought that would happen, but sisterhood can stir up strange feelings in you.

3. Philanthropy:
All sororities do philanthropic work throughout the year. They host events and donate money to various charities. Working with multiple different causes through the year and a half that I’ve been a sister has really empowered me to give back. It has been a great learning experience, and I’m so grateful for that.

These are all professional benefits but my sister Gabriella Popoli had something sentimental to say about her experience with Greek Life.

“Aside from the amazing people I have met and the relationships I know that will last me a lifetime, the memories I have made with these people are just as precious to me," she said.

If you’re thinking of joining a sorority, go out and do it. Leave your fears at the door and don’t think, just be yourself. You will not regret it and will thank yourself every day that you stepped outside the box and did something different.

A sorority is filled with love, laughter, support, fun, leadership and friendships you will never let go of. If you have the slightest interest in sorority life, go to recruitment and experience the one thing that will forever change your life.

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