LIFE

 

Teens are capable of anything: running a business, raising cash for a cause, making a difference, inspiring others. There are great girls everywhere—and in our new “Great Girls” series, created in partnership with Barbizon Modeling, we’ll shine a light on remarkable young women with incredible stories. Whether you get some solid ideas or just some serious inspo, take notes on these top-notch teens—and maybe we’ll be sharing *your* story someday soon.

Meet Lauren…
College is an exciting time when you get to discover who you are and what you want to do with your life—but it can also seem overwhelming and scary to be truly on your own for the first time, which is exactly what Lauren learned when she decided to go away to school. Her desire to make new friends and find her place inspired Lauren to participate in rush week (when sororities recruit students to join their group), and the rest is, well, history. 

Check out our interview with Lauren below to find out what it’s like to participate in Greek life, how she and her sisters break the stereotypical reputation of sorority issues and what's next for her future. 

 

GIRLS LIFE: What made you decide to rush a sorority?

LAUREN: I initially decided to take part in recruitment so that I could meet new people and learn more about my college campus...I didn't have any intention of actually joining a sorority! However, I grew up as an only child, and when I met the sisters of Alpha Xi Delta, I realized they were like the siblings I never had. So I ended up joining to gain that sisterly connection.

GL: TV shows and movies like Scream Queens and Legally Blonde portray a negative stereotype of Greek life. Are sororities anything like this IRL?

LAUREN: I have to laugh because there are so many shows and movies that depict Greek life in that way, and I believe that's why so many students never join. During my time in a sorority, I have never experienced anything negative like hazing or feeling inferior to my sisters.

GL: Does your sorority offer any leadership or volunteer opportunities for girls?

LAUREN: There are so many ways to get involved within your sorority. Each chapter has its own executive board, which is made up of a president, vice president, VP of communications, treasurer and secretary (just like student council!) that you can run for. This gives girls the chance to gain leadership experience, as well as work for something they truly love.

GL: While in high school, you participated in Barbizon Modeling training. Do you think that the skills you learned there helped you adjust better to college life? 

LAUREN: I know it sounds very cliché, but Barbizon Modeling strived to get members to find the beauty within themselves, and I feel like that gave me a major confidence boost to try new things like sorority recruitment, attending college out of state and even pursuing a career in acting and modeling. 

GL: Oh, fun! Any exciting acting gigs you can tell us about?

LAUREN: I was recently an extra on The Walking Dead where I played a zombie. And I also had the chance to work alongside Vanessa Lengies (remember Sugar Motta from Glee?) for an upcoming project.

GL: What advice do you have for girls who may be considering going away to college or joining a sorority?

LAUREN: First, go through formal recruitment even if you have no intention of joining a sorority simply because it gives you a chance to understand campus life...and you might meet life-long friends along the way. Be yourself. Don’t change to fit in with a certain crowd because ultimately, you need to be happy. And finally, talk to your friends and family before heading off to school. Chances are, you already know someone who has gone away to college, and they’ll be able to help you through it— both the good *and* the bad.

Want to see what Barbizon Modeling is all about—and gain the career confidence that Lauren learned? CLICK HERE to get more information about programs and opportunities.

by Angela Kastrunes | 11/18/2016