Being from a small town and going to college in a small town has taught me one thing-people love to stereotype. Especially when it comes to fraternities and sororities.
Anyone from my high school would probably tell you that I was the "stereotypical cheerleader" in high school. Bubbly, loud, slightly obnoxious, had a boyfriend on the lacrosse team, was named captain of the team senior year. However, I also was on the honor roll, a member of the National Honor Society, a competitive dancer, was actively involved in the music program, a member of Jazz Rock (the select choir at my high school), and all of my best friends were active in the drama department. Oh, and I had a part time job from the moment I had a license. Doesn't seem like your stereotypical cheerleader anymore, now does it? I split my time between my family, job, dance studio, academics, cheerleading, and my friends. I also went through a period of depression in high school, was sexually assaulted, fought an eating disorder, was in an abusive relationship, and had a dad in the army who unfortunately had to deploy over sea every other year.
I was pretty much anything but your "stereotypical cheerleader."
Now, I'm in college. My freshman year, I joined a sorority. I did a lot of research on the Greek life at Plattsburgh. Researched the history of the campus and all of the organizations. When the time came, I had my heart set on Alpha Phi, and it was the only organization I considered joining. Their GPA was the highest on campus, they don't haze, they do a ton of community service. I was set.
And I got in. I was so excited to be a part of something bigger than myself, and be able to contribute to the community through philanthropy and community service. My parents were proud of me, my family was excited for me.
I went home a few weeks after receiving my bid, and constantly wore letters while I was home. I mean, obviously I did, I was excited. I immediately received ridicule from my friends, past teachers, and family friends. "What did you have to do to get in?" "How badly did you get hazed?" "I didn't realize you were a dumb srat girl, Em." I was blown away by what people were saying. Where did any of this come from?! What were they even talking about?! I was beyond confused. I had never experienced anything but love, acceptance, and gifts from my new sisters. We were a group of intelligent, caring, strong young ladies who all wanted to impact the world in a positive way. Why did everyone see that as such a negative thing?
Because of the stereotypes they had about members of Greek organizations, despite knowing me for most of my life.
Ever since I received my bid and put on my first set of letters, I have been fighting to be seen as me, and not as a stereotype, just as I did in high school. This battle is harder though, and is a constant struggle. I'm not just fighting this battle for myself, but for members of Greek organizations all over the world.
Currently, I work 20+ hours a week as a hostess at Texas Roadhouse, pay for my own housing, food, clothing, and more, will soon have a lease for a car in my own name that I will pay for with my own money, have a marketing internship at the College Suites at Plattsburgh, am the Social Media Coordinator for the SUNY Plattsburgh chapter of the American Marketing Association, and am the Red Dress Gala Director for my sorority. Did I mention that I'm also taking 15 credits of classes in upper level classes, despite it only being my second semester in the Marketing program? Add preparing for Relay For Life at SUNY Plattsburgh and for the city of Plattsburgh, coordinating travel plans to see my parents who live in Wisconsin, friends, my boyfriend, 20+ hours of community service a semester, and trying to stay on top of my academics to that list.
Last time I checked, thats more than most of the kids I know who aren't in Greek life do.
So the next time someone wants to make a comment to me about how I'm just a typical "sorority girl" who pays for her friends and who's parents pay for everything, don't. I'm more independent than most people my age, and am more involved than a lot of people on this campus. Can you say the same for yourself?
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