It’s that time of year again when Instagram explodes with photos of girls wearing Greek letters and interest in joining these groups sparks.
Sorority women all have their own individual reasons for why they went through recruitment.
Stereotypes in pop culture portray sororities as strictly social clubs. But those involved say that sororities promote friendship while also holding members accountable for grades and involvement around Auburn’s campus.
Maggie Williams, an Alpha Delta Pi and sophomore in apparel design, said the connections you make with people are the most rewarding.
“Even though you go one sorority, you aren’t tied down to it,” Williams said. “You meet people through your sorority who introduce you to their friends in other sororities and vice versa. It’s a long thread of friendships.”
Ryleigh Edwards, an Alpha Gamma Delta and sophomore in communication disorders, agreed.
“The most rewarding thing about my sorority is that I am surrounded by girls who are constantly encouraging and uplifting me," Edwards said.
When it comes to involvement, Brianna Nguyen, a Delta Delta Delta and junior in finance, said that her sorority has encouraged her to join on-campus organizations that she would otherwise not join.
“Because of my sorority, I joined the Be Well Hut and I don’t think I would have wanted to had I not already had friends there,” Nguyen said.
Williams also spoke on involvement.
“I did FLP freshman year and I probably wouldn’t have done that had it not been for Alpha Delta Pi, and I wouldn’t have known what it was going to be like going into it," she said. "The sorority gives you help and support going into interviews.”
Edwards is involved in the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association and participated in Freshman Forum.
“I do believe my sorority has helped my grades and involvement,” Edwards said. “They constantly encourage me to study and join other organizations.”
Joining a sorority will encourage college women to maintain good grades, Williams said.
“I would say that grades are important to me but my sorority has made me make sure to push myself to do better and not slack off," Williams said. "We have study hours so it’s keeping me accountable.”
From the outside looking in, sorority recruitment can be intimidating, Nguyen said.
“Girls going through recruitment need to remember to keep an open mind," Nguyen said.
The selection process takes place over six days before “bid day” where pledge hopefuls receive bids and run to their chosen houses.
The process is based on mutual selection and all sororities have similar goals to grow individuals and friendships throughout their time at Auburn, those interviewed said.
“I would say to someone coming through recruitment ‘don’t worry, everyone is human,’” Edwards said.
Williams said it's not always a quick adjustment, though.
“It’s not an instant connection,” Williams said. “It’s definitely a little awkward at first so if that happens to girls going through, I don’t think they should feel like they made the wrong decision in the first week or, you know, the first semester. It’s an awkward stage for freshmen but it is worth it in the end for sure. I’d say keep going and stick with it.”
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