When it comes to joining Greek life, there's plenty of reasons people say they don't want to join. They can't afford the dues, they don't want to pay for their friends, the list goes on and on and on.
What people don't always say unless you're talking to a sister or a brother in the Greek organization you're looking at is the reasons to actually join Greek life. You'll probably think this is about to be like Neighbors 2 or some other movie with Greek life, but in real life it's really nothing like how the media portrays it. It's more than parties, it's a sisterhood or a brotherhood with people who will be there for you at the end of the day and it's something that
1.) The sense of belonging to a group
Joining Greek life gives you a group of people that will always be there for you. When it comes to "paying for your friends", honestly I don't think Greek life is paying for my friends. I pay dues in order to do things with my friends, such as having formal events and going to philanthropy events. Joining Greek life means you're a part of a group of other people who believe in the values the organization has.
2.) Networking after college
When it comes to getting a job post-graduation, networking is basically the key to success. In order to get interviews or even get your resume looked at by someone at the place you're applying to, you'll need links to get in. This is why Greek life is so special. Even alumni you've never met in your brotherhood or sisterhood will help you when it comes to job applications. People in other groups will also help you too through networking,. Say you're a sister of Delta Zeta, and the person interviewing you is from Alpha Delta Pi. You're NPC sisters, and that will likely be a point in conversation. That can help you be remembered by who is conducting the interview, so honestly Greek life can be a major help when it comes to looking for a job!
3.) Leadership opportunities
Greek organizations have plenty of officer positions to get involved with to be a real part of your organization. From president to formal chair, there are many ways you can get involved and gain valuable knowledge in being a good leader that can't come from anywhere else but the hands-on experience through Greek life. I've been able to take advantage of amazing opportunities as a result of the skills I've gained through Greek life and I know that once I'm looking for a job after college or graduate school they'll really help me then, too.
4.) Social activities
Of course, there's plenty of social activities through Greek life. Yeah, there are parties, but in all honesty I've bonded with my sisters more at walks and philanthropy events than anything resembling a party. There's plenty of sisterhood events, too, to get us to hang out with each other doing fun things like painting or watching movies. There's always someone to get dinner with or to just hang out with after classes, so honestly Greek life is the best way to have the opportunity to meet people you likely wouldn't have met otherwise. I never would have met one of my best friends had we not rushed together and I have Greek life to thank for that!
5.) Lifelong friends
Of all the reasons above, I think I personally joined Greek life for this reason alone. In Greek life, there are a bunch of other active members and others that are new members with you, so there's plenty of people to make friends with. I was also lucky because I joined a sorority that many of my friends were already in after exploring the options I had on my campus. I know that some of the girls in my sorority will be my friends for the rest of my life, whether they're bridesmaids or people I go to for advice when I'm a mom, I know they'll be there for years to come.
Of course there's many, many more reasons, but these are the major ones that I've seen after being a member for nearly a year. Joining Greek life, while not for everyone, was one of the best decisions of my life and I am grateful every day that I decided to join one.
