Sorority life ‘not like the movies’

Sorority life at Central Michigan University is not the daily drunken party atmosphere portrayed in movies and television.

There is no girl drama and no drunken fighting or girls spreading rumors, said Emily Reynolds, an Alpha Sigma Tau member.

The Beverly Hills junior is entering her fifth semester with the group, one of 11 sororities registered on campus. She said in her time as a sorority, she has not found any of those “movie moments” made popular by “Animal House” and “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder.”

“It’s not like the movies at all. That’s just not Central,” Reynolds said. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I once I got to knew some of the girls, I knew it wasn’t like that.

“When I first joined, I felt really nervous. I was a baby little freshman in my first semester, I had no idea what was going on, but I am so happy I did. It’s what got me involved on campus.”

Reynolds was a Leadership Safari guide, and looks to volunteer with Special Olympics Michigan this year, something she credits her Greek lifestyle to helping her achieve.

Alpha Gamma Delta member Sammi Szwak said she joined her sorority because it is a great way to pick up long-lasting friendships.
Szwak wants to warn anyone coming into sorority life for the first time not to listen to what everyone is saying about the sorority or what they have done.

While important, she said, it is more vital to follow your own path.

“Listen to your heart,” said Szwak, a West Bloomfield senior. “Don’t ever join just because someone tells you to. You have to want it. You will know when you are home.

“Some people try to sway you, one way or another. Just because your roommate is a Delta Zeta does not mean you have to be. You can be gung-ho about a number of other groups.”

Some students just know they want to “go Greek.” With about 1,000 Greeks on campus, it is hard not to, said Jenaye Chew, an East Jordan junior.

Chew is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma and after meeting her future sorority sisters on the first day of recruitment, she did not have a second thought.

“I knew I belonged here,” she said. “This helps shape you into the person you want to be. This has made my college experience.

“I’ll tell you, half of my bridesmaids will be my sorority sisters. This, I know, but I am not getting married anytime soon — that’s just how close we are. I would hand my life over to these girls.”