A wide, grassy quad with plenty of space to lay out some books, a lecture hall with the booming voices of professors filling the air, and sub-par food that shouldn’t taste as good as it does. This is the college experience most DGS seniors are looking forward to; however, there are some who want to add an extra component to their post-high school life. Many girls are set on rushing, or joining a sorority, as soon as they step foot on a college campus.
Former student Catherine Hewawissa is a sophomore at Michigan State University and is a member of their Delta Gamma sorority. She emphasized the importance of joining a sorority because of the bonds she formed.
“Being in a sorority has let me meet so many people and close friends. I love that in my walk to class I run into at least one of my sorority sisters and can stop to chat,” Hewawissa said.
Senior Estella Rizzo has been encouraged to join a sorority by many friends, and is currently looking to rush at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
The support that sisterhood provides goes far beyond the Greek village, and can help women both academically and in their professional lives.
“We have fun and go to social events, but we also have study hours. I met a lot of girls that have the same major as me and we FaceTime or meet up to work on our coursework,” Hewawissa said.
Rizzo hopes to have a similar experience and make connections that will follow her after college.
“Not only will I be able to meet girls who have similar interests as me, but going to events and social things will help me meet new people and make new connections. I also know that making connections is a key to your college experience for internships and jobs, so being able to make those connections early on will be awesome,” Rizzo said.
Sorority life is more complex than most people would expect, and their work continues long after rush week.
“Something I really like is how we emphasize our philanthropy. We host a lot of events that fundraise for Service for Sight, which supports one of our Foundation 5 schools for the blind and visually impaired,” Hewawissa said.
Joining a sorority at the beginning of one’s freshman year can help new students get acclimated to the school and be introduced to the social life their campus offers.
“Throughout the rush process, while talking to so many people, you learn a lot about the school and it’s social life, which is super helpful. I think being in a sorority in college will make my overall experience better,” Rizzo said.
Sororities provide a way to get involved during college, participate in the community and create a sisterhood that follow members long after they receive a diploma.
