Every year during summer time we are presented with the multiple events provided by the town’s sororities. Which may not seem so strange to college students, but as you ask the girls their ages they’ll tell you between the ranges of 15-17. One of the sororities offered in the small town of Mayaguez is called Joy Seekers and they are a high school sorority. 

The main events are the “talent shows” ; these events are open to the public and it’s a show to present the new girls entering the sorority. The girls often showcase dances, wear embarrassing outfits, and during their presentations where they identify themselves they also mention the degrading names which are forced onto them as part of the pledging process, finishing off with who they would like to give their special board (“la paleta”) referring to an ítem that symbolizes gratitude to the sorority sister who was most positively influential in their pledging experience. This process of preparing the girls for their entrance into the sorority lasts a total of 7 days and to be able to enter you need to be presented by one of the active members.

 Many local concerns are on how pricey it pertains to be, the supposed standards that compile it, and how elitism is present in its existence. How true can these claims be when asked to current members, past members, parents, or simply bystanders who are a part of this world without being direct participants. 

When interviewing current member of Joy Seekers, Sofia Jones, she had only positive comments to say when it comes to being an active member. “I feel it’s helped me be more confident, work in teams, and it’s very much a unique experience.” Sofia discusses how she has changed as a person, but in a good way. 

When asked about how her initiation process she was unable to mention specific details due to the sororities guidelines, but she spoke on how its very time consuming yet it brings you together with the other girls who are initiating as well as teaches you how to stand up for yourself, describing it as a moment in her life which has definitely impacted her. Both Sofia’s aunt and grandma were members of the Joy Seeker sorority, making her what is referred to as “legacy.” When asked if she felt being legacy is a reason for why she decided to enter, her answer was the following: “I never really thought of them as a reason for me to enter, it was more so out of a curiosity I had which made me want to join.” 

As I spoke to Sofia I had the wonderful privilege of having an insider perspective to contradict a lot of negative press when it comes to sororities. “Many people group us up with this idea they have of us due to what’s said online, mostly when it comes to US sororities not realizing how different it is here in Puerto Rico vs out there. In any case, how can they speak negatively about sororities when they aren’t even part of one?”

Rosa Savedra, a 50-year-old nurse, once lived out her days here in Mayaguez and was a Joy Seeker. During questioning about how this experience has followed her throughout her life she confidently stated: “I learned to be politically correct, read the room, and behave myself.” Emphasizing how the lessons she learned during her Joy seeker days still apply to her day to day. 

As one discusses the peculiar topic of a high school sorority we can see the different viewpoints concerning its existence. In general standpoint the girls who were members have only positive remarks yet those who are not members have a more negative attitude towards it. What all these different people with varied opinions agree on is that at the end of the day the shoe fits to each one’s size, this may be what some see as a good choice for them to socialize, grow, and enjoy themselves meanwhile others feel uncomfortable with what it entitles.

This article was written for the Yale Daily News’ 2025 Summer Journalism Program for high school students.