The stereotypical college life is characterized by a few things: beer, frat parties, and hooking up. Going to a Jesuit college can be a little bit different (not by much, but hey, it can be). Traditionally, Greek life is not really allowed at Jesuit schools. This isn't to say that there aren't Jesuit schools with fraternities and sororities (shout out to Georgetown), but it just isn't a common thing. A lot of college students would assume that non-Greek schools are missing out on an integral piece of college life. Except, here at Le Moyne, we don't really notice (plus, we have SU if we're craving a little taste of Greek, right?). We enjoy the way that things work here, even if they don't always follow the stereotypical college experience. Who wants to be stereotypical anyway? We have a few perks and quirky things that define our college experience.
1. From day one the Jesuit values are pounded into our heads.
Starting at orientation, the priests will remind you of the values that the Jesuits were founded on and how they fit into our college education. Just don't ask us to recite them because we've probably forgotten them by now (don't tell the Father).
2. As a Jesuit school kid, you really aren't aware of the hype of Greek life because you have none!
That's not to say that Greek life is lame (you guys can be pretty cool). You just really haven't been exposed to it, so you don't see the point of making it into a big deal.
3. You feel like you don't need Greek life anyway because the school is pretty small and close-knit.
You know that Greek life is supposed to instill a sense of closeness and unity, but Jesuit schools tend to be pretty small and we're all pretty close.
4. Still, you look longingly at all the letter merchandise and wonder if you would have loved to pledge.
All the sorority girls look so adorable in their letters. That could have been me.
5. But you shrug it off when you celebrate Easter break and Mass of the Holy Spirit Day.
Oh, you don't get Easter off? Well isn't that a gosh darn shame.
6. Being taught by priests isn't as bad as you would think.
You might not have Dean Winchester teaching your class, but your priest professor isn't awful. They are actually some of the best professors that you'll ever have during your four years and they always know how to make things interesting, especially when they accidentally swear in front of their students or make a Holocaust joke.
7. Constantly being surrounded by religion means that you get to explore your own view on religion and spirituality.
It can actually be a great time of personal reflection and curiosity. Being right next door to a number of priests can help you search for your own views. There are also constant retreats and mission trips that are offered throughout the school year.
8. But no one forces you to drink the Jesuit Kool-Aid if that isn't your thing.
As much as the priests would love you to join them every Sunday for Mass, being Jesuit isn't required to attend our school and they won't hold it against you if religion really isn't your style.
9. You're allowed to study whatever religion is offered and aren't forced to study Catholicism.
While Catholic theology classes are taught more often than others, it doesn't mean you have to take them. There are no hard feelings if you don't.
10. You have an instant connection with any alumni or students from any other Jesuit school.
While we might not have Greek life, we do have a lot of pride when it comes to our school. If we're out and about and happen to meet someone who also went to our school then we get really excited. It's like we're part of a brother and sisterhood that few people get to experience. Plus, we're pretty proud of attending a Jesuit school and feel connected with other Jesuit schools in the country (shout out to the other 27!). So, in a way, we do have our own brothers and sisters.
11. Everyone has a weird obsession with the Jesuit Residence.
For some odd reason, the Jes Res is a hyped-up, mystical place. This is most likely because a lot of people rarely go into it if they aren't involved with Campus Ministry. If you have been inside, though, you know that it's a pretty rad place. And, yes, sometimes we exaggerate on how awesome it is to our friends just to keep the mystery alive and well.
12. We all brag that Jesuits are the cool Catholics.
While we still can't get condoms in health services because of religious reasons, a lot of Jesuits are pretty laid back and very accepting. Some of the priests around campus even support LGBTQ+ and feminist groups. They're a pretty rad bunch.
13. Co-ed floors are a revelation.
Maybe this isn't only for Jesuit schools but, for some reason, co-ed floors are a huge deal here. Last year, Dablon Hall had the very first co-ed floor in the history of Le Moyne and it was a huge shock to the school. Men and women on the same floor? It's blasphemy! But what can you expect from a school that used to have same-sex residence halls?
So maybe we don't really differ in a lot of major ways to other schools across the country. But we are proud of the ways that we do differ, and we love the way that things work here, even if it isn't 100 percent wonderful all the time. We are proud to be Jesuit.
