Last issue, I’ve cited two points of misconceptions and skepticisms most people believe about sororities. This week, I have two more, as promised.

Misconception # 3: I’ve heard stories about the hazing that goes on in sororities. I don’t want to go through that.” Two words: No hazing! We are not fraternities. And fraternities and sororities are two very different things. It may be that most fraternities, if not all undergo hazing, but sororities, at least here in UP don’t. In my sorority, I am proud to say that one of our fraternity brothers in UP Los Banos drafted the Anti-Hazing Bill, now a law. Therefore, it would be a big slap on our faces if we will be the first to violate this law. And besides, we don’t believe that the code of ethics of a sorority could be best imbibed if the aspirant will pass through unconstructive activities such as hazing. We believe that there are other forms or ways of indoctrination that requires no physical contact. We keep it true in my sorority.

Misconception # 4: “Why would I join a sorority, what good would it bring me?” Three words: sisterhood, leadership and philanthropy. Sorority membership brings lasting friendships that continue throughout your life. The sorority becomes a “home away from home” for many women. Sorority women share friendships that are a special bond unlike any other. Sorority sisters share their joys and disappointments, learn and grow together, and appreciate the loyalty of friends, and sisters that they know will always be there.

Moreover, membership in sororities is one of the best ways you can discover and refine your leadership skills. Within each chapter, members may assume a variety of leadership roles ranging from chairing committees to holding major offices. Sororities provide leadership opportunities for women who will become respected professionals and community leaders after graduation. In fact, most of our successful women in our country right now are sorority members in the persons of Winnie Monsod, Betty Go-Belmonte and many of the professors in UP. In the US , much is true on this. Statistics shows that 62% of campus leadership positions are held by Greeks, meaning sorority women, 76% of campus honoraries are Greek, 89% of US supreme court justices have been Greek and of the United States’ 50 largest companies, 43 are headed by Greek alumnae. Quite interesting, isn’t it?

Another important part of sororities is philanthropy. It is the giving of time, service, and funds to the community. During the year, sorority women strive to strengthen their relationship with the community by increasing individual member involvement in worthwhile community and campus events. Sororities sponsor events for a cause such as Bayanihan, Donate a Blood Activity, participating in socio-civic activities like Gawad Kalinga and a lot more. These projects are a wonderful opportunity to have a good time with your sisters as well as making a difference in the community.

Now tell me at this point that what I just mentioned are purely hallucinations and skepticisms. Facts show, as based on experience, that sororities aren’t bad influences after all. In fact, I must attest that it’s the other way around. Here’s a beautiful quote I’d like to share: “From the outside looking in, you can never understand it. From the inside looking out, you can never explain it.” That’s what sorority life is all about.

(The end.)

Whenever people learn that I am sorority lady, most of their impression is, “Oh! Really? Why? And their follow-up questions to that would mostly be, “How come? What happened?” And their faces, now showing a disheartened spirit. It’s as if they cannot accept for themselves that I am already into a sorority right now. And before I can defend my side, they already began to sermon me of why I joined in a sorority.

Fellows, this I can assure you: sororities are not really the type of cliques you think they are – that sororities bring no good to the welfare of the ladies entering it. This I can assure you, ladies and gentlemen, that sorority life is not one big party; in fact it’s a lot of hard work and dedication. According to Mr. Webster, sororities are supportive environments that enhance the educational experience of college women through opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. Very true, I must say. Being part of the sorority for almost three years makes me compelled to redefine and restructure the common notion of sororities at the back of your minds. My very goal right now is to change the misconceptions and skepticisms of sororities. I will be citing two points for this week’s issue and another two the following week.

Misconception # 1: Many people believe that its only focuses are only to party and get drunk. Yes it is very much true that one of the most exciting aspects of Greek life is the social experience it offers. But it would be very much unfair that the real intention of holding events would only be seen as something it is not. Formals, theme parties, homecoming events, intramural sports and of course the Greek Week or the sorority week are examples of the social opportunities sorority women share. These activities are not only fun for the members; they bond sorority members together as a family and build unity within the entire sorority. These shared experiences will actually make your collegiate years, and those to follow, a most rewarding experience.

Misconception # 2: “If I join a sorority it will take up all my time and my grades will suffer.” False. Actually the opposite is true. Upon joining a sorority, you should not worry that your grades will drop because you do not get enough study time! Sorority women help their new members develop study skills through scholarship programs and individual help. The incentives and support offered by the sorority help all members achieve and maintain high academic standards. In my sorority, for instance, a grade requirement is necessary. Meaning, you have to meet with the sorority’s academic obligation to its members or else a disciplinary action shall be imposed on you. The sorority understands that the primary purpose of going to academic institutions is for academic excellence. And the sorority’s role on achieving this is very vital. The sorority will not be there to make you ineffective as a student but rather to make you a productive one.

Before I’d end the first part of this article, I’d like to leave you with a quote that I really like most: “From the outside looking in, you can never understand it. From the inside looking out, you can never explain it.” That’s what sorority life is all about.

(to be continued…)

Being the second in command of Delta Pi Omicron Sorority in UP Diliman, it is not an easy task balancing the interests of the members and necessities that have to be done as a leader of the organization. A leaning towards the former will lead to chaos, since every people need to have someone to police their members. And too much leadership will give disservice to sticking to the ideals of a free and democratic society.

I’m talking about this because I wrote a message in our org newsletter before. I was cleaning up my stuff when I chanced upon it. I wrote it seven months ago. And what I wrote there still holds true. Being a leader is always a pleasure, but sometimes, it’s pressure. I’m reproducing it here so as to give you an idea of how I speak out through writing.

“The first semester has gone by with so much that we have everything to be grateful, and that with every after difficulty, we ought to find relief that what we are doing is for Delta Pi Omicron. The Executive Committee is at its best and on its toes to lead the organization but concededly, the best strength of the sorority is its members.

Joining an organization such as ours is a very difficult decision to make. But I get the feeling that most of us do not take the responsibilities and duties of being a member of this organization. It’s weird, because if you are a part of the same people you have the same ideals with, oriented with the same history, you would have believed that the members give you smooth sailing. It turns out I was incorrect.

Could there be more emphasis to underscore that we are a UP organization with special needs and interests? We continue to fight for the betterment of women in society, We live a life that fosters sisterhood, loyalty, and excellence. And we are the best there is, the cream of the crop. Here and now are the roots of future Philippine leaders! We are the leaders of the future!

I am venting out what I think are laxity in our sorority. Let us transform sisters! We should not settle for mediocrity and inefficiency. What about advancing our ideals? Delta Pi Omicron was borne for a reason. But without people to bring forth the flame, it will all be lost. And truly and really, the best strength of the sorority is its members.

For me, Delta Pi Omicron is more than just an organization. It is where I belong. This is my clique. I hope that for all – officers and members, it goes the same for you too – whether in the present or some time in the future.

Sisters, we should always be true. Change for the Better, Seek for the Noblest. ”

To all, I am still continuing my duties as second in command. And make no mistake, I love my sisters very much! Enjoy the week everyone!