I am writing this letter in response to the editorial column that ran in Wednesday's [The] State Press, "When the rush wears off". I have been an active member of an ASU sorority for four years and I feel that it is my duty to defend our campus's Greek community. I am not going to sit here and say that every moment of my sorority experience has been positive, but the fact of the matter is that all in all being a part of it was the absolute best part of my college experience. My sorority sisters are among my favorite things in life, and my very best companions.
Coincidentally, just the other night, five of us were sitting around, sharing a bottle of wine and talking about our sorority and the way that we are so often ridiculed for "buying our friends." We all agreed that up to this point in our lives, paying our sorority dues and having the chance to form the amazing bonds that we have, was the best money we have ever spent. There is no other material object or travel experience that we could have purchased that would ever have such a wonderful effect on our lives, or connect us with people we love as much as each other.
I just want to encourage all of the ASU women who are going through recruitment this weekend. The experience you have in a sorority has to do with you as an individual and what you want to make of it. Kim Taylor was not the first and will not be the last person to dislike sorority life, but throughout history in universities across the United States, sororities have offered valuable learning experiences and lifelong friendships to thousands of women. Happy rushing to all.
--Michelle Piper
ASU journalism and mass communications senior
Why thank you for telling truth. As a green freshman, I too was allured by the notion that rushing a sorority would offer endless friendships and immediate status with the males of choice. When it comes down to the real dirt however, the sorority girls that I have interacted with thus far are nothing but vapid and shallow characters who size-up rushes that are just good enough to be their friends, but no better, to ensure no competition.
Thrown into the dorms 2,000 miles from substantial friends, let alone home, has been a trip. In actuality ASU is filled with too many opportunities; it is somewhat overwhelming. I wish I could tell all my friends that are rushing to think with their brains instead of following their roommate's two left feet.
--Brittany Hill
ASU student
I find it really unfortunate that Kim Taylor had such a horrible experience in her sorority, whatever chapter that may have been. But that gives her no reason to pawn her bitterness off on the freshman girls she describes as naive and impressionable. Freshman, sophomores and every other student that participates in recruitment are not that stupid--they know what they want, and if they don't find it, they don't have to join a chapter. Many girls on this campus find valuable leadership and service opportunities in their sorority, as well as the solace of sisterhood. As a senior who is happy to still call herself an Alpha Chi Omega, I know that Greek Life supplements the college experience, not blocks students from opportunities outside of their sorority as Taylor suggests. I feel bad that Taylor's sorority experience seemed like a joke, but the only joke was her bitterly biased column.
--Megan Rudebeck
ASU Student
I commend Kim Taylor's article, "When the Rush Wears Off". While not altogether refreshing to see such an article as I begin my fourth year (I have felt as Kim did since freshman year), but better late then never. I feel empowered to have overcome the feeling of not belonging that ensued the moment my parents drove away and even more so that I did not cave into the conformity that is ASU sororities. But since it seems as though they are tidal waves just craving to suck you in, I have to admit that I considered joining a sorority that boasted being much different then the mainstream. And they weren't. Still the same schtick; matching T-shirts, bitchy sisters, semester dues, weekly meetings and Tiffany jewelry as far as the eye can see. I dropped out before it began and now feel special to inhale college life any way I see fit, whenever I see fit, and with anyone I see fit. So thanks, Kim, for possibly deterring those who might not be able to find their niche and might consider joining a group that will help them chose a major, graduate and (gasp) begin their career.
--Breanne Donahue
ASU student
I was saddened to read the article by Kimberly Taylor entitled, "When the rush wears off." As a member of the Greek community, I feel that this article was not only incorrect, but the sole purpose was to perpetuate the negative stereotypes of fraternities and sororities. I realize that the Greek system is not for everyone, but someone's bad experience should not shed such a negative light on everyone else's impressions. My sorority has provided me with tremendous leadership, community service and traveling opportunities I would not have gotten otherwise. I was given the opportunity to travel to our national headquarters and meet women from across the United States. My sorority has enabled me to network opportunities for scholarships and work experience as well. Last and most important, I have made some of the best friends in my entire life. Our friendships will continue past college and into our adult lives, and I am thankful for the opportunity to meet such wonderful women!
As an ex-sorority girl, Taylor should know how hard the Greeks try to combat the negative stereotypes, and I am saddened that she chose to perpetuate them. The bottom line for Greek Life is you get as much out of an organization as you put into it. Sorry if Greek Life wasn't for you Kimberly, but don't ruin it for everyone else.
I would love to see an article written about the positive sides of Greek Life in an upcoming [The] State Press edition.
--Callie Parkinson
ASU student
