Why did I join a Panhellenic sorority?

By Brielle Aguayo •

I remember the exact moment as a freshman when I was in the library quad with a ton of hopeful girls waiting to run home to the sorority from which we all got bids. As I jumped off the stage and ran into my newfound sorority sisters, I hadn’t yet realized how that moment would impact my life forever.

Growing up, I always wanted a sister. I felt like a part of me was missing, and when I joined my sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, that missing part of me was filled.

Being in a sorority has given me many sisters, along with incredible leadership opportunities, experience in community service, and I gained an impactful sisterhood that has supported and cared for me.

Though rushing a Panhellenic sorority in the fall can be intimidating at first, the recruitment process is special and a week you only get to experience once.

Recruitment happens the week of Sept. 4. The first night is Sorority 101 on Sept. 6, when you learn about all three sororities. If you are invited back, the next two nights are Philanthropy Night on Sept. 7 and 8. On these nights, you learn about the sororities’ philanthropies. Sept. 9 is Preference Day, when you can be invited back to a maximum of two sororities. This day includes a ceremony to reflect the values and ideals of each chapter. The last day of recruitment, Sept. 10, is Bid Day. If you receive a bid, this is the day you run home to your sorority.
Panhellenic Vice President of Recruitment Jacki Hilber, junior double major in behavioral neuroscience and marketing, said that Greek life has helped her grow as a person.

“Coming into college I was rather shy, but Greek life and my sorority helped me come out of my shell and step up as a leader,” she said. “My chapter, as well as the Panhellenic Council, have offered me so many leadership opportunities and support in getting those positions.”

I feel the same way. My chapter guided me in a positive direction. I was eager to not only become a position holder, but also to grow and connect with my sorority sisters.

The first position I held in my sorority was historian, which I served as for two semesters and loved every moment of it. I was in charge of taking professional photos for my sorority and planning photoshoots. My favorite part was growing as a photographer and being creative.

My current position is vice president of new member education, in which I help guide and welcome our new members into the sorority.
It’s a six-week period when new members learn, experience and connect with sisters and their new member class. They get to experience things like teaching lessons, bonding events and big/little. I feel not only honored, but privileged. I get to be the person to lead them, just like I was led when I was a new member.

Sorority life has truly helped me grow as a person, but I didn’t join a sorority just to have fun. I also wanted a chance to give back to philanthropies with valuable causes.

When I was going through recruitment the first thing I heard was about two philanthropies for which my Sigma Delta Tau chapter raises funds: Jewish Women International and Women in Distress. Both of these philanthropies aid women who are in unhealthy relationships and give them tools to further their lives in positive ways.

My sorority puts on events, like “Battleship” and “Are You Smarter Than a Sigdelt?” to raise money for these philanthropies. We also do multiple clothing and food drives. These events consist of using teamwork and communication to have fun and raise money for causes that mean so much to our sorority and what we value.

Sorority members agree about the benefits of experiencing Panhellenic recruitment.

“I think you should go Panhellenic if you want to meet people from all different aspects of NSU even if you don’t accept a bid,” said Panhellenic President Madison Ring, junior dance major. “You meet so many people through the recruitment process.”

I wouldn’t be who I am today without my sorority Sigma Delta Tau. I have met my best friends with whom I know I will have long-lasting friendships. Taking a chance on Greek life was the best decision I have made since I came to NSU. I encourage everyone to take the leap and rush the Panhellenic Council.

Brielle Aguayo, junior communication major, The Current’s art director and reporter, is a sorority member of Sigma Delta Tau since she came to NSU in 2021. She is currently an executive board member of SigDelt.