When you think of a sorority what is the first thing to come to mind? Parties? Pillow fights? The movie Legally Blonde? People rarely think of the benefits that come with being a member of a sorority but usually rely on what they have seen on television or in movies.
I have been a member the Psi Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. here at Grambling State University since spring 2012.
I crossed with 11 beautiful young ladies as well as four members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. I will not say that being in a sorority is a mandatory part of having a fulfilling college experience, but it is extremely beneficial.
For me personally, my goal as an undergraduate was to keep good grades, get my degree and make my family proud.
Of course making life-long friends and possibly finding my soulmate were also on that list, but joining a sorority was something that happened by chance.
Although it was not one of initial my goals, joining Zeta Phi Beta was one of the best decisions I have made thus far. Becoming a member allowed me to check a few things off of my bucket list while making a difference in the community.
Being a part of a sorority has taught me a few things, such as how to interact with others, compromising, time management, how to handle constructive criticism and how to put others before myself. It also comes with a few perks, such as networking, traveling, performing, and impacting the lives of people around me.
A huge component of Greek life is the ability to network with your sorority sisters around the world. They say it is not about WHAT you know but WHOM you know.
You may think that all we do is step and stroll on the yard, but it is much, much more than that.
Being a part of a sorority or any organization is about sisterhood and becoming the best version of yourself. Now, it is not about Jasmine Roper the individual but Jasmine Roper the Zeta and anything that I do is a reflection upon my organization, whether it is good or bad.
If you are thinking about joining a sorority within the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) whether it is Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, or Sigma Gamma Rho, it is important to remember that it is not the letters that you will wear on your chest but rather what you will bring to the organization.
I must say that being a part of something bigger than myself has helped keep me humbled, keep an opened mind, and become more creative.
Remember that becoming a member of a sorority is a lifelong commitment and your experiences will last a lot longer than the few years spent at Grambling State University.