Being a Christian in Greek Life

"From the outside looking in, you can't understand it. From the inside looking out, you can't explain it." -Unknown

One question I often get is, "is it hard being a Christian in a sorority?" This question has always confused me. My faith defines who I am but, my Greek letters only signify what organization I am apart of. Being a Christian isn't hard in Greek life, there are struggles of course but the struggles are no different than being a Christian in a secular world. The wonderful sorority I pledged is based on Christian morals specifically, 1 Corinthians 13. I am blessed to be in a sorority where so many girls love the Lord and actively involve themselves in church, bible study, and young life. Many of my sisters are leaders in Christian organizations or the church they attend. Theta has given me another platform to share the good news and to show others theirs another way to live. Greek life has taught me more about my self and grown me in more ways than I have realized.

Being in a sorority is something I wish everyone could experience. The pictures below are just a small glimpse at what life is like as a Theta. I have met my best friends, my future bridesmaids, people who have challenged me to be better, and women who have taught me what a powerful woman looks like. Theta has taught me how to be a leader. The last picture on the first row shows my big, myself, and my little at So-Sing which is a home-coming competition for all organizations specifically greek life. I was able to participate my freshman year and this past year, I had the opportunity to cheer on my precious little Katie. Katherine (my big) and Katie (my little) have taught me what having a sister is like. We love each other unconditionally and we never pass up a good movie night in Kat's bed or my couch. Katherine has loved me and been there for me when I was trying to figure out the ropes of college and Katie has been someone to laugh with (or at). Katie has taught me how to be a good "big" sister and Katherine has taught me how to love myself. The other girls in these pictures have taught me so much, I am glad to know each of them and be able to have life long memories. Some are even my current roommates or future roommates.

Greek life has its temptations. Fraternities host parties nearly every weekend, there is always something to do. But, what I don't think people know is that it doesn't matter if you're in a sorority or not girls can go to fraternity parties. Thus, I don't think you're any more likely to go to "frat" parties as a greek girl than you are as someone with no affiliation. If you are interested in partying you will find a party and go. I know greek girls who haven't stepped into a fraternity party other than BYX. I also don't believe you are any more likely to drink, have sex, or take drugs because you are in a sorority. Most people will respect you and let you live your life. When I go somewhere and people ask why I'm not drinking, they don't pressure me to drink or try and argue with me. Honestly, I prefer to be a DD than rely on someone else or pay for an Uber. Sororities do not haze and I haven't met a girl who would pressure you into doing something against your morals. Your decision will always be yours, the greek community will not change you and will only allow you to be the person you CHOOSE to be. Is it hard to go to a party and be the only person sober, yes it can be but, you realize where you feel comfortable going and where you don't.

Being a Theta is one of my pride and joys. I have received multiple leadership opportunities because, I am a sorority girl. Currently, I serve as Theta's Alumnae Engagement Director meaning plan mom's and dad's weekend. I also serve as a judiciary board member for Texas Tech Panhellenic and another Panhellenic position I'll talk more about in August. Because of Theta I have had the opportunity to plan events, grow in event planning, be a leader, and have a voice. Theta has helped me make friends that will truly last a lifetime.

For those of you who don't know, Theta recently suffered the loss of Sarah Grace Dearmond. Gracie pledged Theta with me in 2017, she was a beautiful, fun, sweet, radiant, positive soul who will be dearly missed. We recently had a memorial for Gracie and over 600 people attended from all over Texas Tech. Multiple sororities, fraternities, organizations, and friend groups. Gracie touched many and in the name of Theta. She exemplified the characteristics of a Red Raider and a Theta. The impact she had on Theta shows all over social media, in our house, and in our lives. Theta brought Sarah Grace into my life, we weren't close friends but, the times we spent together I will never forget. When one organization suffers all of greek life comes together no matter what and supports one another. That is the beauty of greek life that many people will never see or experience.

One of my goals is too spread awareness about greek life to people who only know what they see on tv. There are so many wonderful things about being in a sorority and I would be more than happy to tell you why greek life is an amazing thing and why my relationship with God is not affected. Some of the most amazing Christians I know wear their greek letters proudly. Being a Christian is not always easy but, I can say its not any more challenging in greek life.

xoxo,

𝒪𝓁𝒾𝓋𝒾𝒶 𝐿𝒶𝓃𝑒