Testimonials
I didn't know much about Greek Life when I came to UC Irvine as a freshman, but I had been involved in several organizations throughout high school and also wanted to be involved in college. I am from an extremely small hometown, and I yearned for the sense of community that I had growing up there. During Welcome Week, I was approached by a recruitment counselor who helped me to understand what being Greek truly meant: the opportunity for moral and intellectual growth, self-improvement, leadership and the development of character. Reflecting on my past four years at UCI, I now realize that I have gained all of this and more. My sisters and the many friends that I have made throughout the Greek system have provided me with unconditional support and encouragement. I even tested my own limits and reservations about myself, and have taken on leadership roles that I otherwise would not have tried. I owe the success of my college experience to the Greek community, and firmly believe in the ideas and principles it promotes.
- Catherine Conroy
(UCI Panhellenic Association President)
In my first days at UCI, I felt lost in our expansive campus and overwhelmed by the requirements and opportunities presented by college life. Fortunately, I made the decision to go through Formal Recruitment, and I was immediately welcomed into an intimate community of driven, friendly, intelligent, and proactive women. Without question, I was supported by an unshakable network that I draw from and contribute to every day. Greek Life enhanced my college experience by alleviating academic pressure and revealing extracurricular opportunities. Most importantly, I was introduced to accomplished and helpful mentors and lifelong friends. I never expected to get so involved at UCI, but being Greek has pushed me to achieve more than I ever anticipated. The value of Greek Life is increased each day and lasts a lifetime. Joining a values based organization has given me like-minded friends and diversified my college experience in an unprecendented way.
- Rebecca Crawbuck
(Executive Vice President)
I was very apprehensive when it came to the idea of joining a sorority when I first came to UCI. But when one of my close friends joined a fraternity I saw what being Greek could bring to the table. I decided to go through recruitment and see how it went, and ever since I have not looked back once. Joining a sorority is not only a thing that happens during college but it follows you throughout your life. It gives you a support system that you have never had before, a family away from home, and your best friends. Being Greek gave me the opportunity to meet people I never would have met, experience things I would never have tried, and has opened so many doors for me. Not only have I been able to help people and give back to the community but I have also been able to improve myself. I have been able to become more confident in myself, hold many leadership positions and even improve my grades. Joining the Greek system has definitely been one of the best decisions I have made in my college career and an experience I know I will also remember.
-Danielle Wong
(Vice President of Finance)
Since I pledged my freshman year, my sorority has changed me as a person. The change was so drastic that even my parents noticed. They had disapproved of my choice to join a sorority, but when I returned home after my first year of college, they were praising sororities to all their friends. Joining a sorority has given me leadership opportunities and a home away from home. These leadership opportunities have given me real-world experiences and have also changed my career goals. And being from Northern California, the sorority house and my sorority sisters are what I come home to when I need friend or comfort. I have countless memories with my sisters or friends in the Greek system that I will remember forever. College has become the best 3 years of my life because I joined a sorority.
- Diana Yu
Joining a sorority was something that I never planned on doing. When I got to UCI, I quickly realized that it was going to be hard to make friends in such a large university. Greek life on UCI’s campus is pretty large and by being a part of it, you make the campus a little smaller and more manageable. I instantly met friends going through the process and I knew that if I absolutely hated it I could drop out, but that definitely was not the case. My best friend, sister and now roommate drove me to recruitment events and that was how I met her. I never would have gotten close to her if it were not for recruitment. What I have gotten out of being in a sorority is like nothing I could ever have imagined. I have learned life skills that could never have been taught in any classroom. The best part as I look forward to graduating is the opportunity to network! I recently went on an interview for an internship and the woman I spoke with was in my same chapter at another school! Joining a sorority has made my world smaller and much more manageable!
- Chelsea Van Arnam