Of all the different things I might have expected to do while I was in college, I never would have expected to join the Greek community. I'd always seen the different stereotypes for Greek life on TV and other social outlets; it was always the same wild, reckless, asinine behavior that I never felt I would want to be associated with. Sure, some of it may be fun, but I would never want to join. There are several different lessons I've pulled out of college, though, and one of them is not being afraid to step out of your comfort zone a little. Give things a chance before you write them off. So, you know what I did?

I gave it a chance.

I joined Pi Kappa Alpha in the fall of my sophomore year. I went from not being involved much at all my freshman year to diving into any and every single thing I could find with Pike. I went to community service events, helped raise money for several organizations at philanthropy events, and learned how to have an overall positive impact on the community. I've grown with my peers on campus, and I've grown interconnected with many people I would never have known otherwise.

Even on a personal level, I've grown as an individual since going Greek. My "people skills" have grown to levels I would have almost killed for in days prior. I've always been a fairly social and outgoing person, but I've how to be myself and be these things even with people I've only met five seconds ago. I've been given the opportunity to hold several leadership positions, as well, and these chances at running parts of something bigger than myself have given me more wisdom than most of my college classes would ever dare to.

And no, I don't feel like I've ever 'paid for my friends' or 'paid to play with all these new connections.' If anything, it should read something more like 'paid for my brothers', or 'paid for my family extension.' Even then, I wouldn't say I've had to pay to make friends with the people I now call 'brother.' I don't know what it's like everywhere, but we have bills to pay. That's where the money goes first and foremost. We don't get help from the university to stay on campus; on the contrary, we pay them large sums of money to be allowed to exist in Huntsville. I have willingly paid because I've seen the great things that come with being a part of a Greek organization. I want people to have this chance.

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I can't lie to you and say it's perfect all the time. My Pike chapter isn't, and Greek life as a whole isn't, either. But, what really is? Yeah, we throw parties more regularly than most, but there's always a little more to it than the rowdy side that gets thrown in your face. And no, I'm not going to lie and say it's for everyone. No, Greek life isn't a fit for everyone that gives it a chance. There's the fun, though; you have to give it a chance.

I'm a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, and I'm proud to be Greek.