Why I dropped my sorority 🫢
I feel like this isn't talked about as much as it should be, I rushed in 2021. I was the first in my family to go to college, so I knew nothing about Greek life other than what I saw in monsters University and legally blonde. I have zero plans on signing up and tell him to orientation and ended up having a really good conversation with a couple of the girls getting people to sign up for recruitment. I didn't sign up, but I kept thinking about it, fast forward to the first day on campus... I was walking around and I saw a bunch of the girls a set up with a different tables, ended up talking to them again and they convinced me to sign up. Recruitment was only a couple days away at this point, so I had nothing to prepare. I went in completely blind, not knowing anything, not knowing how much it cost, not knowing what to wear, not knowing how competitive it would be.
I went through this huge process, but also having a couple friends who were already in the top sororities . I end up the final round with two sororities one that I knew that I wanted to be in and the other one that all my friends were in… I knew I wasn't going to be happy and that and I didn't want to go on that one, and I didn't tell them. I ended up sending the girls and the other one a DM letting her know that I didn't think it was right… Obviously, I knew she wasn't gonna see it until after, but she basically informed me that she already knew but that she still loves me. Little did I know that this was going to change a lot of things.
After rush and 1 meeting I broke my foot, only three weeks in to the first semester. I was an agonizing pain. I hated using crutches, and I had a Jenkee scooter that I had to use. Went all the way up to my knee. It was horrible. I still ended up going to meetings and getting initiated.
But then… The biggest problem. At this point, I had a job at a very popular bra store at the mall. Worked at the one by my house and recently transferred to this one that was near my university. I had only been working there for a couple weeks when this all happened. at the same time I had just gotten hired at a sandwich shop right off of campus that was easily accessible to walk to… But then when I broke my foot, I couldn't walk there anymore. I worked three shifts at the shop before they let me go. I don't know if that was fair, because I don't think you can fire someone just for breaking their foot .
And then I stopped at the store because I had doctors appointments all the time, physical therapy, and I couldn't drive .
And now I was officially unable to pay for my sorority . At first, everyone was so helpful. They secretly raised money for me. And my first month was paid for, and it was amazing. I felt like I was truly making fantastic friends. I found out who my big was, and My Twin. I was making wonderful friends. And I got initiated... and then… it all went downhill.
I got pulled into a meeting saying that I needed to pay my next month, I told him that I was trying to find a job online and around campus that was easily accessible as I was going to be in a cast for a very long time . That wasn't enough for them. They told me I had a week to come up with $1800. The next day at three in the morning, I woke up an agonizing pain and called my boyfriend to come get me out of my dorm and then I needed to go to the hospital. I ended up missing all of my finals staying in and out of the hospital for weeks. When I eventually made it home, I hopped on a zoom call with the board of the sorority. They told me that I had to pay or leave due to the fact that I hadn't been attending meetings… I told them that I have been in the hospital and they all knew that, but they said it was unacceptable to miss any meetings.
So right then in there had decided to drop my sorority . I had to somehow come up with the money to pay them back. And then I was free. a couple weeks later, they called me again just to solidify everything and they said "will always be sisters! And we love you" and after that I hardly heard from them again, and the only thing I heard about myself with some gossip.
#sororities #leavingcollege #sororitytips #deltadeltadelta #sorority #sororitylife #college #rush #stroytime #lemon8diarychallenge
Stepping into college, the dream of sorority life often feels like a fairytale, especially after seeing all the glamorized versions online and in movies. I remember the excitement leading up to rush week, with all the hopeful conversations and the buzz of BID DAY – everyone looked so happy in their matching shirts. It felt like the start of something truly special, a promise of lifelong sisterhood and unforgettable memories. But, as with many things, the reality of sorority life can be a lot more complex than the picture-perfect image. One of the biggest eye-openers for many, including myself, is the financial commitment involved. Beyond the initial dues, which can already be substantial, there are often hidden costs that quickly add up. Think about all the themed outfits for events, gifts for your Big or Little (which is a super sweet tradition, but also a financial commitment), social event tickets, and even specific accessories or t-shirts for every occasion. It’s not just about paying your monthly or semesterly fees; it’s a continuous investment that can be hard to manage, especially if you’re already juggling tuition, living expenses, and a part-time job. I’ve heard so many stories, like the one about a sister who had to choose between paying for an essential academic supply and a required sorority event. These are the tough choices many face, and it’s rarely discussed openly before you commit. Then there’s the time commitment. Sororities require significant dedication – weekly meetings, mandatory philanthropy events, social gatherings, study hours, and chapter-specific responsibilities. While being part of a TRI DELTA or similar chapter can offer incredible opportunities for leadership and networking, it demands a huge chunk of your schedule. Balancing this with rigorous college coursework, a job, and maintaining a social life outside the sorority can feel impossible. I’ve seen friends burn out trying to do it all, constantly feeling guilty for missing an event, even if it was for a valid reason like an exam or an unexpected personal emergency. The expectation to prioritize sorority activities above almost everything else can put immense pressure on members. And what about the “sisterhood” itself? The ideal is a supportive, loving family, and often that’s truly what it is. But sometimes, the reality can fall short. Group dynamics can be challenging, and navigating friendships within a large organization can lead to gossip or cliquish behavior, which can be heartbreaking when you're seeking genuine connections. When unexpected life events hit – like a health crisis or a family emergency – the unwavering support you expect might not always be there in the way you need it most. It can feel incredibly isolating if you face difficulties that impact your ability to participate fully or meet all obligations, and the response from the chapter isn't as understanding as you'd hoped. Ultimately, my biggest takeaway is this: before committing to sorority life, do your research beyond the recruitment videos. Talk to current members honestly about the financial realities and time commitments. Consider how unexpected life events (like needing a medical boot or facing job loss) might impact your ability to stay involved. It’s okay to realize that Greek life isn’t the right fit for you, even after joining. Your college experience is about finding what empowers you, helps you grow, and supports your well-being. Sometimes, that means making the tough decision to step away from something that no longer serves you, and that’s perfectly valid.
Girl🥺 I am so sorry that you went through that. Is your foot better now? I didn’t rush or anything, but my freshman year, one of my friends some how ended up in an apartment with 3 juniors that were in tri sig, it was fun at first but it turned bad fast.