Sep 19

Sep 19 Lessons I learned From Being in A Black Sorority

I always had a blind knowledge that I would join a sorority. Maybe it was after I watched stomp the yard in senior year in high school. I knew I was going to attend an HBCU, pledge a sorority (had no clue which one yet) and win the homecoming step show and fall in love with a fine brother from some fraternity. It didn't quite happened that way. I did attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (located on the highest of seven hills) and I did pledge Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. (EEEEEE-YYYIIPPPPP). There is something about being part of a sisterhood of African American females that appeared so attractive to me. FAMU had a very active greek life and I was ready to join something soon after attending my first Set Friday. After some research and interacting with members of all four sororities I found that I best identified with Sigma Gamma Rho.

I was that one girl that though I was too good for every, I had a snotty "up north" attitude and saw that southerners where not cool enough for me. Well my sorority sisters quickly humbled me. I learned not to judge people by where they were from but by their actions. The FAMU chapter was significantly smaller than the other sororities on campus and that alone thought me confidence. There were times when I was the only one representing the chapter at an event, there where times when I had to stroll by myself and I learned not to compare my journey to anyone else. I had the opportunity to travel, plan events, manage chapter the chapter budget and truly bond with the ladies of my chapter.

https://youtu.be/oQL28VQrjy8

One of the most important things I learned was how to work with people I didn't like. I'm not going to pretend that being in a sorority is all roses and unicorn and we had slumber parties every week. Even though my sorority was small I can give you a list of people in my chapter I did not like and couldn't stand to be around. But I learned that if I was to be committed to this sorority it would require working alongside women that although were talented I just didn't vibe with. This lessons carried over when I got my first job after graduating, where I didn't like the women but the work had to be done. Being in a sorority presented me with the opportunity to be among women outside of my circle of friends that truly cared about me. I have sorors who follow my journey on social media and would reach out to me and share a kind word. I often come across sorors at events or even randomly at the airport and make instant connections.

Black women are said to be the most educated group in America and that was exemplified within my sorority. I had sisters that were studying pharmacy, education, business, journalist and much more.Being in a sorority has surely been helpful, not only because of the networking opportunities, not only within my sorority but also with other Black lettered Greek organizations.