I hate labels. I just hate them. When you place a label on a human being, it naturally limits their full potential. Labels create molds that society deems we all must fit into and once we find ourselves fitting into this mold, it is hard to take shape as anyone else that we may desire to become. Personally, I am labeled almost every day. I’ve been called a dirty hippie, tree hugger and liberal. I’ve even been called a Chameleon for trying to venture outside of my mold. With these labels, come stereotypes. For instance: many people think that just because I am trying to save the planet automatically means that I don’t own a razor. I’m sorry if I shatter anyone’s world, but not every hippie braids his or her armpit hair and chooses a life without showering.
The most recent label I’ve been given was - GDI, most commonly pronounced as “Geed.” If you are not aware of what this means, the acronyms stand for a “God Damn Individual,” and it is simply a derogatory reference towards those who choose not to be affiliated with Greek life. When I first heard this term that was used towards me in such a condescending manor, my initial feelings were anger and aggravation. I thought to myself, ‘so what if I chose not to be like you.’ And in that moment, I actually realized that GDI was the best label that anyone could possibly have.
Please keep in mind that I have nothing against those who did choose the Greek life. I have met a lot of amazing people that chose that as their path in college and I am sincerely so happy that they found an organization where they feel like they belong. This article is simply for those who did not choose to go Greek, and I think it’s about time that they are celebrated too. These GDI’s chose to take the road less traveled and I apologize for this cliché, but it has made all of the difference.
So here are the reasons why I am proud to be a GDI.
There is no pressure to adore Lily Pulitzer.
I can also say that I hate monograms.
Just thrown' it out there, because like I said before... I can.
We GDI's are the Audrey Hepburn's of the College world.
This is most definitely a generalization but it is also true for the most part. Those in a sorority or fraternity are extremely busy with their required meetings and functions and community service. They are so busy that they barely ever have anytime to do anything that THEY want to do. Again, this is a generalization and I do know some to be able to do it all – but I also suspect that a) they never sleep or b) they have super powers. As for myself, I just cannot imagine being able to juggle my 2 jobs, my internship, the club I’m a part of, 15 hours of school and then on top of it all, being a part of a Sorority! I think I would need therapy… scratch that, I wouldn’t have time for therapy. This time constraint is a major factor as to why I did not choose the Greek life. There were simply too many things I wanted to try to out in college, and I did not want to commit so much of my time and energy to one single organization. As a senior, nostalgically looking back on the last three years, I have never been happier about my decision to not go Greek. I know for fact that without my experimentation with a wide variety of organizations, I would not be in the place I am now, and I would not be doing the work that I truly love.
I have the weirdest, but best friends
I’ve experienced a lot in my 3 years at Appalachian State University. I’ve slept in Teepees, gone to wild frat parties, climbed mountains, made out with frat boys, dated mountain men, been involved in Christian organizations, protested climate change in downtown NYC, milked goats, and learned how to shred the gnar on my snowboard. And that’s just to name a few experiences. Throughout all of these adventures, I have come across so many different people with different values and different outlooks on life. This exposure has shaped me into a very well rounded individual, one that I know I could have never been if I chose Greek life. Although this statement is another generalization and does not speak for every Frat boy and Strat girl, I have met many that have become so rapped up in the Greek community, that they forget to branch out and meet others. I strongly believe that only being around people that are like-minded does not challenge one and is actually an impediment to growth as a person. With this being said, I love all of the eccentric people I have come to meet in college and I have them to thank for making me such an accepting and loving person.
No date functions.
I have always felt so frickin’ bad for my friends that have gone through the painfully awkward process of finding a date for their date function. Dating in general, is awkward. When you throw in the pressure to find a date by the end of the week… believe it or not, it gets even more awkward. I’ve seen my friends desperately turn to that one guy they have recently friend zoned, just so they don’t have to be the only one among their sisters to be dateless. I’m just glad that I never had to add to my collection of embarrassing dating moments. And for that reason, I am thankful to be a GDI.
With all of these reasons, I think it’s safe to say that being a God Damn Individual is God Damn fantastic. So, next time someone asks you what Sorority or Fraternity you are in, as if there is no other option… Proudly say to them: I’m in Gamma Delta Iota.
