World Class Spring Break on a College Student's Budget // Giveaway

Life’s tough when you’re a broke college student. While usually it feels as if you’re getting the full, envied “college experience” stopping at Starbucks with sisters between classes, proudly sporting your letters on campus, and running around in a tutu and feather boa during Greek Week, reality hits you full force when Spring Break rolls around and you realize...you don’t have plans or the cash to any.

If this sounds vaguely (or completely) familiar to you, your FOMO (the Fear of Missing Out) is probably raging as you begin to see your Instagram feed full of sandy snapshots and bikini-clad girls throwing what they know on the ocean’s shore. Luckily for you, whether you’re in your hometown for Spring Break or still near campus for the week, there are multiple fun options which can help you chase away your Winter blues and enjoy your long-awaited break to the fullest!

1. Day Trip to a Hometown Favorite

So maybe you’re hometown isn’t all that exciting - we can’t all live in NYC or LA! But more likely than not, your area probably has a few hidden jewels which are perfect for a spare day on break. Maybe you’ve been there a thousand times before - an interesting museum, a cool tourist town with great shopping, a kid’s amusement park - but chances are that some of your friends or sisters have never been there before! Treat them to something new and re-live some of your favorite childhood or hometown memories with some of your favorite girls (or guys)!

2. Pamper Yourself with a Girls’ Day

Between the stress of writing your senior thesis and the ridiculous amount of work you were assigned for your foreign language class, a day of relaxation is beginning to sound just as great as a night out. Take advantage of the free time and book an appointment at your favorite spa, a nail salon, or take a trip to the mall. All work and no play makes for a cranky college student, so treat yourself and indulge! You deserve it!

3. Book a Hotel Room

Remember the glorious feeling you would get when you would walk through the doors of a hotel and smell the chlorine of the indoor pool? Nothing else quite screams vacation more! But you don’t need to travel cross-country or get to the coastline to enjoy your own little vacation! Check your local hotels and see if they have any spare rooms for cheap (most hotels would rather give you a low price than have empty rooms for the night!) and gather a few sisters for a night of lounging by the pool and watching Netflix in those cozy white robes the hotel provides you with! The “vacation” probably won't cost you more than $50 and will satisfy the travel-bug in you (for now, at least)!

4. Take Advantage of that Beach House or Cottage!

There’s a pretty good chance that your or one of your sister’s families owns a beach home or a cottage somewhere in your area, and an even better chance that it’ll be vacant for the week of your Spring Break! Whether you live in a warm climate where you can soak up the sun, or enjoy your break in fuzzy earmuffs with hot cocoa in hand, there are so many options when you have a fun place to be with your sisters or hometown friends!

5. Attend an Event!

So maybe you and your sisters have a strangely-serious obsession with Ariana Grande. Or maybe you want to re-live your childhood and see the circus while it’s in town. Or maybe you want to cheer on your city’s hockey team. Or maybe a DJ you like is playing at a local venue. Check StubHub, Ticketmaster, and your school’s Student Activities office (they usually have great deals on tickets for local events!) and plan a night out for the event! Get dressed up, have a fun dinner in the city, and enjoy the show!

6. Explore Your City to the Fullest

Your city might seem boring to you, but that’s only because you’re so well-acquainted with it! Although you know every crook and corner like the back of your hand, that probably means you’re also it’s best tour guide! Gather some friends and explore your city’s hidden treasures - from your favorite Mexican restaurant, to the best vintage store in the area, to the building with the best view of the city, and show them what a great city you live in!

7. Take a Food Tour

Maybe I’m biased because my sister founded a food tour business (shameless plug for Chew Philly Food Tours), but one of my favorite things to do is explore new places to eat! While this can certainly get expensive, food tours gives you the option to experience the best eateries in town for a fraction of the price while exploring all of the cuisine your area is famous for! This is perfect for a day out with friends and sisters (because we all know how much sorority girls love to eat). Book a tour and get the “Food Network” experience you know you’ve secretly been dying to have.

8. Visit a Sister in Her Hometown!

Okay, your city might not be the most exciting place on Earth, but things can get a whole lot more exciting very fast if you have a sorority sister who lives somewhere interesting! Whether your best friend lives in a big city, across the country, or on a farm, think about finally taking her up on her offer and see where she’s from! Her family will probably welcome you into their home with open arms and she’ll be more than thrilled to show you around her hometown! And what a better way to bond with a sister you’ve already grown so close with?

9. Visit Another Chapter

We say it all the time, but really, isn’t one of the most exciting, inspiring parts of belonging to a sorority the fact that there around 150,000 women across the world who share your sisterhood? Take advantage of it! Most chapters love visitors and meeting sisters from other chapters (I get excited when another sister even follows me on Tumblr!) and if it’s a chapter with a house, they’ll probably be more than happy to have you as a guest for the week!

  10. Enter This Giveaway

With the above tips you can surely have a world class spring break, but to make it sweeter you can enter to win an adorable tumbler filled with all the spring break essentials. This cup from Crafts by TK will be filled with a custom 2015 spring break necklace, koozies, a pair of kroakies, a $15 gift card to Chilpotle, a $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble, and several other goodies! All you have to do to enter is complete the RaffleCopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Femin-rority: How to be a Member of a Sorority and a Feminist

            When you think feminism the last thing you think is sorority girl. Is it because sororities and the women associated are victims of certain stereotypes that are seen as anti-feminist? Or is it because fraternities are associated with sororities and that patriarchal institution overshadows the matriarchy? Or could it be that feminists just don’t join sororities because that type of institution holds values that are simply opposite of those that are feminist? Well, I’m here to let you know that being a sorority girl is the epitome of being a feminist. I know because I’m both.

Feminism: What and Why?

            Feminism is a noun meaning the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. The key phrase here is, “equality to men.” This doesn’t mean women over men. This doesn’t mean man bashing, man hating, or man-eating, and it doesn’t mean any violence of negativity towards men. Though men can be part of the problem as to why there isn’t equality of women in today’s society, women are just as much to blame. Some women are what we call the “femi-nazi”, which is that particular girl you know who participates in the man hating activities. That by no means is feminism. Then there are the women who don’t realize that even though our society is quite modern that women are not equal by any means.

            This leads me to why you should be a feminist. Here are my eight reasons why you should be a feminist:

1.      Because women still deal with catcalling on a daily basis. Ladies, this by no means is flattering. This is a man exercising what he thinks is his right to treat you like a piece of eye candy or meat. You are not a piece of meat.

2.      Because the US Senate is unequally split twenty women to eighty men. And with certain debates coming up in the government about women’s reproductive health there are not enough women to speak for the female population. Men would never let us make decisions based on their reproductive system why should we let them do the same?

3.      Because women still earn $0.77 to every man’s dollar. And if you’re in a minority group that is even less.

4.      Because women are still criticized for what they wear and for the fact that their bodies are different from men’s. Women should not be judged on how well they do their job based on the color of their lipstick. Likewise, when a woman is raped it shouldn’t matter what she was wearing. And women should not be responsible for men getting distracted by what they choose to wear.

5.      Because in the US a woman is raped every six seconds. That means every six seconds a human being is violated on a very intimate and emotional level. And then the victim is blamed.

6.      Because women are taught to hold their keys between their fingers when they walk alone to their car at night.

7.      Because in a domestic abuse situation people ask “Why did she stay?” instead of “Why did he hit her?”

8.      And because even if you’ve never experienced any of these things other women have and part of being a feminist is supporting your fellow woman.

How to be a feminist?

            So, you’ve read over the reasons to be a feminist and one or more of them sparked anger or outrage in your heart. Well, now is the time to start becoming a feminist, and here is how.

            First off just be you. Embrace who you are. If you’re still looking for who that is then give yourself the adequate amount of time you need to in order to find yourself. It’s all about being aware of who you are because the more aware you are the easier it is to complete the transformation into the master feminist.

            Secondly, stop obsessing about your body. If you love your body then that’s all that matters. If you don’t and it’s because you feel unhealthy start finding ways to be healthy. As long as you are aware of how you feel physically that is all that matters. But remember it is you who are allowed to decide how you feel about your body and only you.

            Stop using derogatory terms when talking to or about your girlfriends. Names like “slut” or “bitch”, I believe, are appropriate in certain joking situations when both parties know 100% that it is not to be taken seriously. Using names like that on an excessive basis can really wear down other women’s self esteems. That is not what feminism is about. We want to build up our friends not tear them down.

            Don’t change yourself because someone asked you to. If a guy you’re dating doesn’t like something about you and he asks you to change it do not do it. As long as you’re not harming anyone or it’s not threatening your health you do not have to change for anyone. The same goes for your girlfriends too. My personal view about friends is that if they’re not building you up or a positive influence in your life then you don’t need them. Life is too short to deal with toxic people.

            Now when you do get into some type of relationship with a guy (or girl. We’re about equality) make sure you are making smart sexual decisions. Think about your emotional and physical health when making these decisions. Err on the side of caution and be real with yourself as well as with your partner.

            Lastly, take action. Encourage other women to become feminists because the more that answer the call to action the more we will be heard. We live in a modern world we deserve equality.

Sororities and Fraternities and Feminism Oh My!

            One of the reasons why people don’t put feminism and sororities together in the same sentence or thought is because a lot of times we are overshadowed by our male counterparts. Whether it is on the campus stage or the national stage sororities sometimes take a backseat to fraternities, and maybe it’s because one is for men and the other for women.

            Fraternities in the media dwarf sororities whether it be positive coverage such as a fraternity raising awareness for a certain philanthropic cause, or negative coverage like the most recent sexual assault accusations that have been floating around the internet; you don’t see a lot of sororities show up in headlines. Sororities do not get equal coverage as fraternities do in the media, and that should change. Fraternities and sororities have the same organizational coverage but for different sexes. The coverage should be the same.

Also, when you see go Greek campaigns online or on college campuses a lot of Greeks like to point out that a lot of famous people went Greek and are now successful. However, most CEOs and politicians are male and therefore were in fraternities; whereas, sororities can lay claim over reality TV stars, TV hosts, and inventors of casseroles. Not that those are not prestigious, they are, but we should also be able to boast that this politician or humanitarian was in a sorority.

            Another issue is that just like with men and women there is a double standard for fraternities and sororities. With fraternities brothers are gaining a network opportunity, but sisters in a sorority are gaining a family or are joining an organization for the “girl bonding.” Though that may be true we have the same opportunities that are afforded to fraternities, but nobody mentions that when it comes up in conversation.

The same with leadership experience; a president of a fraternity is shown to have qualities of a leader; whereas, a president of a sorority is seen as the “Head Bitch in Charge.” To be honest, I think it’s more complicated and challenging to be a president of an all female organization. Everyone has an opinion and everyone wants to be heard.

The biggest double standard in my experience as an active member was during recruitment. Sorority recruitment on my campus was held to much stricter rules than that of fraternity recruitment. Boys are able to go and smoke cigars with brothers and talk with them about joining. Opposite of that is sorority recruitment where a sorority can get in trouble for letting a girl leave their house with a plastic cup for fear that it looks like we are bribing her to want our sorority. If sororities have these rules then it should only be right that the fraternities have them too.

Stereotypes of Sorority Life

            Some stereotypes are responsible for the dissociation of feminism and sororities. Let’s address those shall we.

1.      “So don’t you like pay for your friends?” – No. With any organization you’re going to have to pay fees. These pay for things like shirts, events, philanthropy weeks, etc. With Greek life you may also have to pay to live in a house. You cannot put a price on the experience you gain by joining a sisterhood. It’s pretty much priceless.

2.      “Aren’t sorority girls dumb?” – On the contrary, many sororities have scholarship requirements for members. Some of the smartest women I know are my sorority sisters. But I will admit we all have our blonde moments, most of which happen during finals week.

3.      “Sororities girls are just glorified party girls.” – This one makes me laugh because I went to the bar maybe a total of three times my senior year. What may bring this stereotype about is that on campuses, especially ones with a big Greek community, parties at fraternity houses are more widely advertised. But I do believe that in college everyone goes out at least once, and in sororities we are no different.

4.      “Sorority girls are easy.” – I cannot tell you how many times I have heard this said about sorority girls. I’m going to be completely honest. It’s college. Everyone explores a little bit in college. It’s the first time that you’re away from home for any extended amount of time. Things are going to happen and you’re going to try new experiences. I promise you that in a sorority you have the support system that looks out for you and makes sure you’re making the right decisions and that’s not just emotionally or physically, but just in your life in general.

5.      “Sorority girls only care about how they look.” – This isn’t halfway true. Sure, during recruitment we may all be dressed the same but that’s so that we look like a unified front to the potential new members. Not only that, but we don’t look very impressive if we are in sweats and trying to recruit. It’s like going to a job interview. You have to be presentable. However, plenty of my sisters, myself included, could care less about how we look. As long as we get to class on time that’s all we worry about.

6.      “You only get into a sorority if you’re rich and a girly girl.” – My chapter has to be one of the most diverse group of women I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. There are plenty of sisters who are girly girls, but I also have a sister who is a huge jock (she’s the goalie for our lacrosse team.) Personally, when I moved back home after graduation I decorated my room with Lilly Pulitzer, but on the other hand I could quote all three of The Lord of the Rings movies. It’s takes every kind of woman to build a sorority.

If you’re in a sorority currently and were hesitant about taking the leap into feminism because you were afraid you’d be less of a sister do not worry you’re already halfway there. Being a sorority sister is about lifting up your fellow sisters just like being a feminist is about lifting up your fellow female. If you’re not in a sorority but you were hesitant about joining because you’re a feminist please know that you can do both. The two go hand in hand. As a feminist and a sorority girl I wish you the most beautiful sisterhood and the most awesome girl power!        

Pseudo Bigs are the New Black

Pseudo Bigs Are #FLAWLESS

Big and Little relationships are made to help the little, who is also a new member, adjust to sorority life. Usually, bigs and littles are matched up perfectly because they already fostered a strong bond with each other. Although, in rare cases, some match ups don’t work out. This leaves the little in a fickle because she doesn't know who to go to when she needs help or who to seek that ever-lasting bond with. Alas, a pseudo big can come forward to help that little find her place.

If you are unfamiliar with the term pseudo big, it’s when an older active becomes the little’s new big. Contrary to belief, pseudo bigs serve a positive purpose and are not out to steal their fellow sister’s little. They become a mentor to the new member when the original big has disaffiliated or merely doesn't have time to be there for her little. Pseudo bigs mean a lot to littles because it’s a chance for littles to find someone they can look up to and make that magical big/little relationship they see everyone else have.

Pseudo bigs are not supposed to be seen as the enemy, instead they should be a blessing in disguise. I, myself, am a pseudo little and I couldn't be happier. My relationship with my original big was basically non-existent. Then I got picked up by someone who helped me along the way through all the troubles I was facing. They even helped me when I was facing a moral dilemma of picking up littles because I was nervous about what kind of big I would end up as. However, because my new big became such a great impact on my life, I was able to showcase the same love and affection to my littles.

As long as there are no ill feelings towards adopting a new little, pseudo bigs are the true bigs. Some may think the term is unnecessary because they think as long as the little makes a relationship with other members, there’s no need to search for a new big. However, it is about the little. They are the ones who want to make the best out of their time in the sorority. And while they have relationships with other members, it is nothing close to the big and little relationship. Pseudo bigs are kindling a relationship to shine a light on the little’s experience in her new member period and the rest of her sorority time. 

*Editors Note: This article was written by one of our new writers, Christina! Read more about her here!