*Sorry I haven’t posted! I’m just so incredibly busy! In addition to my large class load I’ve had numerous general info meetings for all my extra-curriculars. I guess that’s the sacrifice I make for being involved!*

Yesterday I was required to go to the Greek Week convocation. As many of you know, I’m involved in a sorority and this week at SU the entire Greek community has had competitions (ranging from pie-eating contests to variety shows to a penny way fundraiser). This closing ceremony included many speakers in addition to announcing the winners of Greek Week. Unfortunately my house didn’t win but I’m sure it was close :). Anyway, the key note speaker was a visitor from the Atlanta, Dr. Lori Hart Ebert. Before yesterday I would not have recognized the name of this amazing woman, thank God I do now!
Much of her speech was focused around the difference each of us can and should make within our houses to grow into our best selves and the importance of keeping out relations with other houses positive and strong. She shared her own sorority experience as well as her experience as an Greek advisor at other universities. She made an amazing community address, and actually in 2007, the readers of Campus Activities Magazine awarded her “Female performer of the Year” and “Speaker of the Year”.
But what struck me most was how she cleverly had girls and boys respectively discuss the stereotypes of the so-called sorority girl and frat guy. People said exactly what I expected they would, my own perception of Greek life before I reluctantly decided to pledge and was pleasantly surprised at the home I found in AXO. I’m not going to lie, I was embarassed to be associated with Greek life. I know some girls and guys for which these personalities are true. There are a lot of parties, drinking, and drugs but as I thankfully discovered there’s also so much more. I love how involved my house has allowed me to be involved with the community. There are so many girls to whom get volunteer for fun and sometimes not-so-fun things not because we have to but because we know it’s the right thing to do. Then there’s executive board, junior panhellenic council and panhellenic council, ways in which girls can strengthen their voice, become a more influencial member of the Greek community. I find it’s similar to Student Government but that the area for change is even larger. Not to mention the friendships! I usually avoid referring to the girls in my house as sisters, as I find it’s a little cliche, nevertheless some bonds are stronger than I could have imagined. I met countless girls with different majors, from different places, having different opinions. It’s wonderful! There are so many untapped minds. I cannot wait to see how they use them after graduation to better our world.
Listening to Dr. Ebert speak I now feel bold enough, proud enough to display my letters on the back of my car. Being a sorority girl has, thus far, been a very rewarding experience and one which I hope will change the minds about the mold that many people would stereotype me as.