Becoming a member of a sorority or fraternity is important to many college students. But is being part of one of these societies really all it's cracked up to be? You be the judge as you read the experiences of some sorority and fraternity alumni.
Feeling of Belonging
The thing I loved most about the brotherhood that I found was that I finally felt like I belonged somewhere. [I] had discovered a group of friends who would always look out for me, the same way I would [look] after them.
That feeling has never diminished. The bond that we formed more than two decades ago is as strong today as it always has been, and I’m sure it always will be.
Alex Estrada
Alex Estrada is the owner of GiveHimThis.com, a website dedicated to recommending the best gifts for men.
Incredible Support System
Joining a fraternity was one of the best decisions of my life. I’ve shared so many incredible experiences with my brothers that it’s very difficult to narrow it down to even a few.
The support of my fraternity brothers is a major contributing factor to my success in college. As a member of my fraternity, I immediately created relationships with like-minded individuals. In many cases, my “brothers” were in the same classes as me, so I had peer support in classes.
One of the most memorable experiences directly related to my fraternity was when I was nominated for homecoming court. I was nominated by our Sorority and Fraternity Council (USFC), and I had the full and immediate support of my entire fraternity.
I didn't even have to ask for help. Immediately, a group of my fraternity brothers formed a group to elevate my standing. I had a loud and healthy cheering section in the crowd at every event during homecoming week. Not only were my fraternity brothers cheering, but they gathered support from sororities to cheer for me as well.
The night of homecoming, I walked out to the middle of the football field with the rest of the homecoming court. When my name was announced, it was obvious to the rest of the stadium that I had an incredibly strong support group that backed my nomination to be homecoming king. Although I did fall short of wearing the crown that night, I felt like a winner all week.
The amount of love and support that I received that week and that evening is a memory that I will never forget. It was an incredible experience, and I would not have been nearly as successful without the support of my fraternity brothers.
Support During a Difficult Time
I was in Zeta Tau Alpha during my college years, and I grew as a person in every way from that time in my life. I was more involved in college activities, and I felt more connected to the friendships that I made within the sorority.
But, I think my fondest memory of ZTA was during a hard time in my life. I was a junior in college, and I had just lost my brother. With the heavy load I was dealing with, I didn't think anyone could understand or help me with what I was going through.
I felt myself pulling away from friends and the sorority. However, they overwhelmed me with words of kindness and shoulders to lean on in this time of need. They also sent flowers to the funeral, which was across the country.
They made me feel special, and they helped me through a significantly hard time in my life. I will never forget that.
Lifelong Relationships
The most special thing about sorority sisterhood is the relationships that go beyond mere friendship. I experienced a tight-knit bond so incredible that college life became some sort of home.
I became a part of an entity dedicated to friendship, personal growth, and womanhood, growing my social circle. In sorority sisterhood, I met my soulmates - my friends who I now see as my family.
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