I never thought about joining a fraternity until I realized I couldn't be in one.
I watch as the expenses piled up. Yes, the scholarship helps and being an RA gives me housing and dining perks, but the bottom line was still in the thousands. Greek life is just not an option.
At first, I did not care. I did not think it was a big deal. But as freshman year progressed, I started noticing the opportunities unavailable to me, from the social scene to the student government. Every night I laid awake and asked myself "Did I sacrifice my future to save $3,000 a semester?"
I began to hate Greek life at UA. I began to hate people from Greek life at UA. I had a couple of friends in sororities and fraternities, but, when it came to first impressions, I would immediately stereotype. If they were in Greek life, they were an enemy to those that were not.
I used to be constantly cheerful and optimistic, but last year, freshman year, I transformed into a dystopian version of myself. I was consistently angry, pessimistic and skeptical. I allowed an unnecessary hatred to destroy my personality from the inside.
I now understand that I was a major contributor to what would easily be the biggest problem facing the University of Alabama today: divisiveness.
At UA, Greek life cannot be ignored. With large portion of the student population being a member of a Greek organization, a sharp divide has formed between the Greeks and non-Greeks. This divide, based on archaic beliefs and ignorant stereotypes, is perverse and unnecessary.
There is so much talent at this University. Imagine the possibilities if everyone's ideas were possible. By working together, we could combat serious issues facing our campus, from sexual assault to mental illness. By working together, we can create a better UA tomorrow, next year, and the decades to come.
While I would love to have the resources available to Greek members, I understand that what you pay is what you get. When you go Greek, you are getting an exclusive membership into a sisterhood or brotherhood. When you go Greek, you are getting social and networking opportunities.
That, however, should not stop GDIs from volunteering for some of the Greek philanthropies. That should not stop Greeks from allowing us, with charge, into some of their parties. You can maintain the exclusive nature associated with traditional fraternities or sororities while also uniting the entire campus.
Let's tackle this problem, this year. We have much more to solve, together.
