Nearly 25 years ago this fall, I took the plunge and pledged to a sorority. Yes, I was one of those girls—the quintessential sorority sister of the early 90s. We were often labeled as bowheads, accused of purchasing friendships, and became the punchline for countless blonde jokes and bimbo remarks. Our teased hair was a constant source of ridicule. Yet, despite all the stereotypes thrown our way, I cherished every moment spent wearing those pastel pink and green Greek letters, surrounded by some of the most incredible women I had ever known.
This fall, as we look across over 650 college campuses, around 150,000 young women will gather at the doorsteps of grand Corinthian-columned houses. With breath mints in hand and anxious smiles plastered on their faces, they will prepare to make their best first impression on a group of unfamiliar faces. For some, this will be their first venture into Greek life, while others may be following in the footsteps of generations of female relatives. It’s akin to a job interview on steroids, where poise, personality, and humor collide in an unscripted 15-minute chat that often barely gets past the question, “What’s your major?”
For a week, these hopeful potential new members (PNMs) will navigate the whirlwind of recruitment, shuffling between ice water parties, philanthropy events, and preference nights, all with the hope of receiving a coveted bid from a sorority by week’s end. To outsiders, this might seem outdated or shallow, possibly even disingenuous. And while that can be true at many campuses, for me, that awkward recruitment week represented a pivotal moment of growth—a time when I had to put on my big-girl pants and bravely seek out my tribe. And thankfully, I found them.
My time in a sorority during those early 90s was filled with life lessons and metaphors about living, sharing, and working alongside a diverse range of personalities. I learned the importance of cultivating strong female friendships and that no one looks good in white satin unless they’re walking down the aisle. I discovered that there’s always someone else who shares your size, and that having 35 closets is far better than just one. Every woman has a hidden talent; you just need to know how to bring it out of them. Those who exude confidence often inspire you to borrow a bit for yourself, while the shy girls can surprise you with their strength. Leadership roles can grow tiresome, so always remember to delegate. Offer pie as a reward, and watch how people rise to the occasion. And yes, some folks don’t wear underwear, often the ones you least expect.
I learned that singing brings a smile, unless you’re crying, which is just as acceptable. Your weight doesn’t define your character, and life has a way of arriving at your doorstep—sometimes when you’re least prepared. After 2 a.m., nothing good happens unless it involves pizza, ice cream, or deep conversations on oversized sofas. You can fake it, but not all the time, and sometimes the best advice is to simply listen. Classic TV shows like Days of Our Lives and Melrose Place are best enjoyed with a crowd of at least 15 people. No matter the issue, there’s always a girlfriend who can help you navigate it. Now, 25 years later, I realize that the promises we made and the sisterhood vows we took have truly stood the test of time.
From that era of big hair and high-top Reeboks emerged some extraordinary women. We’ve become judges, doctors, principals, and entrepreneurs. We’re cancer survivors, marathon runners, global missionaries, and philanthropists. We’ve started businesses, returned to school, and navigated love in all its forms. We’ve traded our Greek letters for even more impressive titles like CEO, CFO, CMO, and MOM.
But the moment we gather again, even if just a few of us, something magical occurs. It’s as if we’re transported back to our 19-year-old selves, sharing laughter and stories, reliving our wild youth even as we settle into middle age. The Thetas, Tri-Delts, Chi-Os, Kappas, Zetas, ADPis, and DZs alike—put us in a dimly lit room with a flickering candle and some nostalgic piano tunes, and we’ll find ourselves swaying together, reminiscing about the good times. Through misty eyes, we realize the true meaning of sisterhood and friendship has only deepened over the years. And as we look at each other, we can’t help but utter ten crucial words: “Thank goodness there were no cell phone cameras back then.”
For an additional perspective on sisterhood and connection, check out this insightful post on Modern Family Blog. And if you’re looking into home insemination options, Make a Mom offers reputable kits for at-home use. For further information on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC provides excellent resources.
In summary, the bonds formed during those sorority days—though often mocked—have proven to be invaluable. They taught us about life, laughter, and the power of sisterhood, shaping us into the remarkable women we are today.
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