the scoop on sororities- week 2

After my first sorority blog last week, most of your comments had to do with hazing. I’ll be honest…I’ve heard the horror stories too. Girls being forced to drink, pledges de-robing in front of guys - don’t think I haven’t heard them all before. C’mon, you know I read “Pledged” too. While I’m sure hazing happens at some colleges, I know it doesn’t happen at all of them. Sororities are just like any other student organization. Like sports teams and other school clubs, there will always be older and younger members, which always creates the possibility of hazing. It’s up to you to find out whether or not the group you want to join hazes. How do you do it? Just ask. They may not come right out and say, “Oh yeah, we haze!” But odds are if they get uncomfortable answering the question, some shady things go on behind closed doors.

Does it happen in my sorority? Well I’m a pretty good person to ask…I’m pledge mom! If I chose to do anything that made girls uncomfortable during their new member period, I would be kicked out of my sorority and possibly my school. There is a very good chance I would also be sued. Not worth it! When I pledged, my pledge mom invited us to football games and dinners with the sorority. It was great to get to know older girls at school because they helped me decide what to major in, how to manage my time, and much more!

Being a new member is actually the most exciting time to be in a sorority because of a little thing we like to call “Big/Little Week.” Girls become “bigs” during their sophomore year, and they choose a little out of the new pledge class. During Big/Little week, a big decorates her little’s dorm room anonymously, gives her candy and presents, and then at the end of the week she reveals herself! The cool thing is that this pattern starts a “family” within each sorority because eventually you will have a little, and then your little will have a little, and so on. It’s pretty much the coolest thing ever.

Remember, you were asked to be part of a sorority because they want to be your friend! If you ever find yourself in a situation that you’re uncomfortable with, tell someone immediately. Nothing is worth hurting yourself over.

Tell me, what kinds of clubs were you involved with in high school? Was hazing ever a part of it?

Bisous,

Devin Tomb

Editorial Intern

This picture: Me and my little, Alyse, at a summer picnic on campus! Isn’t she adorable?