I Didn't Go Greek, And That's Okay | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

I Didn't Go Greek, And That's Okay

I found my "home" somewhere else.

9
I Didn't Go Greek, And That's Okay
Ohio State University

Greek life as a whole is a wonderful community that does amazing things for so many people every year. Some of my closest friends belong to Greek chapters, and as I watch them live their lives full of chapter meetings and committee meetings and philanthropy events and lip syncs and semi-formals, I find myself wondering what my life would have been like had I chosen that path.

Greek life is the best part of some people's lives. I completely respect everything that the organizations stand for and represent. However, as much as I wonder sometimes what my life would have been like, I stand by the decision that I made as a freshman not to sign up for recruitment.

In the same way that some people are meant to play sports and some are not and some are meant to be involved in arts and some are not, some people are made for Greek life. And some, myself included, are not. That does not mean that the organizations as a whole are "bad," it simply means that I didn't choose that path.

Social sororities and fraternities are largely meant for incoming college students to find their "group." They help the scared freshman find a place to belong, something bigger to be a part of and their "home" while away at school. I had all this wrapped up in the music program. I had a place to belong to. I found my friends and my place to belong to and I didn't feel the need to look any further. I was home.

Perhaps the biggest reason that I didn't join was the time. I love being involved in things—so much so that I find myself in situations where I have five performances in one weekend, an audition then next, and another two performances the weekend after that. To say I am busy is an understatement—I am downright over-involved. I can't be involved in Greek life because I simply don't have the time. I don't like participating in things that I can't fully commit to, and to pledge my time to an organization when I know I am not going to be able to be at every meeting, participate in every event, or contribute to the chapter as a whole would be completely unfair.

I did not choose not to join because of anything self-righteous. I didn't think I was "better" than it. And—this is incredibly important—I did not choose not to join because of the typical anti-Greek stereotypes that float around. The decision was purely personal.

Some of my closest friends belong to Greek chapters, and I've witnessed all of the amazing things they have been a part of. For them, it is life-changing, something they use to identify themselves, and something they are incredibly proud to be involved in, and I think that's amazing.

But it's just not for me.

I didn't go Greek, and that's okay.

But whoever you are, wherever you fit, go out and find your "home," because in one way or another it's out there. Maybe it's music or theatre, maybe it's sports, maybe it's a club, maybe it's Greek life, or maybe it's just a group of close friends. Do what's right for you to find your place.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
6 Signs You Are An English Major

There are various stereotypes about college students, most of which revolve around the concept of your major. Unfortunately, we often let stereotypes precede our own judgments, and we take what information is immediately available to us rather than forming our own opinions after considerable reflection. If I got a dollar for every time my friends have made a joke about my major I could pay my tuition. One stereotype on campus is the sensitive, overly critical and rigid English major. Here are six telltale signs you are one of them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

27 Things 'The Office' Has Taught Us

"The Office" is a mockumentary based on everyday office life featuring love triangles, silly pranks and everything in between. It can get pretty crazy for just an average day at the office.

1974
the office
http://www.ssninsider.com/

When you were little, your parents probably told you television makes your brain rot so you wouldn't watch it for twelve straight hours. However, I feel we can learn some pretty valuable stuff from television shows. "The Office," while a comedy, has some pretty teachable moments thrown in there. You may not know how to react in a situation where a co-worker does something crazy (like put your office supplies in jello) but thanks to "The Office," now you'll have an idea how to behave ifsomething like that should happen.

Here are just a few of the things that religious Office watchers can expect to learn.

Keep Reading...Show less
Grey's Anatomy
TV Guide

Being pre-med is quite a journey. It’s not easy juggling school work, extracurricular activities, volunteering, shadowing, research, and MCAT prep all at the same time. Ever heard of “pain is temporary, but GPA is forever?” Pre-meds don’t just embody that motto; we live and breathe it. Here are 10 symptoms you’re down with the pre-med student syndrome.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading

Books were always about understanding for me, about learning the way someone else sees, about connection.

908
High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading

I keep making this joke whenever the idea of books is brought up: "God, I wish I knew how to read." It runs parallel to another stupid phrase, as I watch my friends struggle through their calculus classes late at night in our floor lounge: "I hope this is the year that I learn to count." They're both truly idiotic expressions, but, when I consider the former, I sometimes wonder if there's some truth to it.

Keep Reading...Show less
One Book Made Me Question Existence In Its Entirety
Photo by Rey Seven on Unsplash

"The Stranger" by Albert Campus touches upon many heavy elements... but not in the way you expect. Although it touches upon the aspects of death and love, it also deals with a hidden philosophy similar to that of nihilism.

The story follows the short life events of Meursault, a Frenchman whose carelessness for his actions eventually ends him in jail and dependent on a jury of people to judge the ethicality of his decision and the punishment that he deserves. He eventually gets the death penalty and all throughout he is nonchalant and almost apathetic towards his situation. He finally snaps when the prison sends a priest to him to absolve him of his sins and to cajole him in confessing to the lord.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments