Sorority

Unbeknownst to you, I was a part of two sororities that shall remain nameless.

When I first started studying in Ottawa, I wanted to fit in. Starting off in Political Science classes with around 75 students was overbearing and made it hard for me to make friends.

I went to the quad during Frosh Week, and saw Fraternities and Sororities tabled around. I had an image of wanting to be in one particular sorority that I had researched before coming to Ottawa. I rushed it (attended activities and informal gatherings to get to know the sisters). I was then invited to the Pref Party (this is where sisters get to know if you will be a good fit). I wasn’t able to attend and didn’t get in. I actually rushed for them twice. I did not get in the second time either because it was my mother’s birthday and I was celebrating it with my family in Montreal. The sisters told me it didn’t matter if I couldn’t attend the Pref Party. I was later told that the sisters took the decision of who got in right after the Pref Party. This is probably a big reason why I didn’t get in.

Meanwhile, I made two friends. They weren’t always available. I wanted to be a part of something like I had been in Cégep (University Prep? We have a different schooling system in Québec) and being in a Sorority seemed like a good idea. 

After not getting in the first Sorority, I rushed for an International Sorority. Their philosophy and the way they perceived sisterhood really resonated within me. I have many good memories from this Sorority. I felt like I was doing something good on campus. We participated in and organized philanthropy activities. We got to know other Fraternities and Sororities in a non-party way. We had high standards, we loved each other and we were classy.

However, I became depressed. 

School wasn't going too well. I started skipping classes and spending days in bed. My roommate had no idea this was happening because she was away on a trip. 

I stopped going to Chapter. Chapter is the weekly meeting you have with your sisterhood to discuss official business. I did not attend and got fined 10$ each time. I also lost financial aid because I didn't give a payment on time.

So much for sisterhood, right?

I can't say that no one reached out to see if I was truly okay. One sister asked me a few times. I believe her concern was genuine.

I moved to Montreal and did not transfer Chapters because Montreal didn't have one. I did have to give back my letters (any shirt/sweatshirt with the Sorority's greek letters) and my pin. I understand that I couldn't keep them because I was no longer part of the organization, but those items cost around 300$ all together. 

All I wanted was to be part of a group of women who would be there for each other. 

Guess that didn't happen...

---------------

My experience taught me that Sororities aren't for everyone. I just didn't fit in. I tried so hard to, but turns out it wasn't for me. During my most painful moments, when I needed my sisters, I was ignored. I don't think any of it was done on purpose. Maybe, they never had a sister with a mental illness. 

I kept contact with one sister. She helped me a lot through hard times. When I talked to her again, after all this debacle, she apologized for how things ended. She also apologized that I was treated unfairly.