So you're thinking about "Going Greek"? You may be an incoming freshman or a student who wants to gain even more out of their college experience. If you're one of those two students, then this article is for you! Greek Life at Missouri S&T is unlike any other Greek life in the state of Missouri and easily the country. Missouri S&T is quite the rigorous school and the support system that you gain while being in a Greek house truly gets you through it all.
What's the Difference?
All of the organizations can give you sisterhood/brotherhood, leadership opportunities, community service projects, and much more. What's the difference between us all then? Each organization has it's core set of values, ideals, and principles that allow them to run. Each organization has their area that they excel in. Each has a very different history among them, founders, national reputation, and goals. After these few differences, there is very little different about us all. You will find that at Missouri S&T all of Greek houses support each other. We want all of Panhellenic Council/ Interfraternity Council (IFC)/ National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)/ Greek Independent Board (GIB) brothers and sisters to succeed in all they do.
You may be asking yourself what they difference between all the governing councils are? The Panhellenic Council is made up of three sororities, IFC is made up of 18 fraternities, NPHC is made up of four fraternities and sororities, and GIB is made up of two sororities and fraternities. You can find more information about each governing council and chapter here.
Benefits of Joining
The benefits of joining any Greek house are truly endless. No matter what you like, you can usually find someone else who is obsessed as you are. Do you have a passion for community service or love sports? You can find you "home away from home" that we love to promote. You will also find that here at S&T, we never take our academics lightly. Every house on campus puts such a strong emphasis on our academics goals and classes because the ultimate goal is to graduate. You will find that in Greek houses, you get challenged more. Many houses have competitions and incentives to do better so there is never an excuse to not succeed. If you do feel like you're falling behind, the world's best tutors are usually sitting next to you at dinner. The number of times I've had sisters helping me late at night prepare for a math test of proofreading a paper is endless. You will find your greatest cheerleaders in your house. Greek life is all about finding your place and making your college experience even greater than before. Greek life strives to make you into the best person you can be. If you ever find yourself changing to be more like those around you instead of being yourself, you aren't doing the Greek life experience right.
Potential Concerns?
At this point, you may be thinking that Greek life isn't so bad after all, but you're an introvert so it'll never work out. I can 100 percent promise you that this shouldn't be a concern for you. Like I stated above, Greek life makes you into the best version of yourself. When I first came to Missouri S&T, I was quiet and hesitant to take chances. Since I joined Greek life, I've tried so many new things and have stepped out of my comfort zone more times than I can count. Me joining my house didn't automatically change that. What did was my sisters helping me, guiding me, and encouraging me to be the best possible person I could be.
It's normal to be nervous during the recruitment process. I've seen multiple different sides, being recruited, recruiting, being the vice president managing recruitment. You will find during your recruitment process that you learn new things about yourself and Missouri S&T.
Advice
As an incoming senior and this potentially being my last recruitment I ever see, my biggest piece of advice would be to take a chance. Take a risk and jump into something you don't know. Ask questions. Strive to become a better person and lean on others to help you get there. College is a scary place and without brothers and sisters to help us, it makes succeeding at Missouri S&T so difficult. You will find that in your darkest hour, you will have those people to lean on. You will find that in your moments of success, your cheerleaders will be right there. I can promise you that your time at Missouri S&T will go fast and you will end up where I am wondering where the time went. Make your time at S&T count. Join a Greek house and see what it's all about. I promise in the end, it'll be worth it and you'll leave Rolla knowing you made the best choice.