Greek life is a world of its own. It takes a special kind of person to be apart of something to complex and crazy. Greeks have a negative connotation that follows us wherever we go, no matter how much good we do. With all this negativity, it's easy to get swept up in the politics and the drama that very easily surround the world we live in. Despite what the outside world thinks, though, Greek life is an amazing thing, and I wouldn't be the person I am today if I hadn't gone Greek. Going Greek was one of the scariest things I've done, but it has also been one of the most rewarding and has given me a lot of life lessons I've had to learn from. With these lessons, though, I've learned to grow into a better person.
1. Not everything is about winning
Most things in life seem to be a competition, and Greek life is no different. There are various competitions throughout the school year, starting with numbers for recruitment (don't lie, it feels good when you get high numbers) all the way to Greek Week in the spring. Hell, there's even competitions for who can raise the most money for philanthropies and highest GPAs. Regardless of all the competitions, and despite how good it feels to win, not everything is about winning. These competitions, though competitive and rewarding when a good outcome is had, help show the outside world as well as inside how strong a community with a common goal can be. Nothing says strength like a large number of people who, in any other situation may not get along, come together and do something for the better. Competition is good and is a healthy way to get rid of anger and animosity, but sometimes that all it is. Winning is a great benefit but usually only for the organization that wins. In the end, the strength that is shown and the unity of each organization is the real reward.
2. Volunteering to feel good
Philanthropy is a huge part of Greek life. Each and every Greek organization has a philanthropy that we raise money and donate our time too. Most everything that is done is done for this philanthropy. Most Greek systems also take time to work within the community and find programs that are looking for volunteers. Local animal shelters, community homes, soup kitchens and big brother/sister programs are just among the few places that are common and often need volunteers. Most think Greeks volunteer because it's required and we need the hours. Now, while those are true, volunteering brings a different feeling. It makes you feel good and feel like you're helping something bigger then just you and your organization. If there's one sure way to feel good, it's by volunteering.
3. Everyone is a 'typical' Greek person
A lot of people who aren't in a Greek organization say it's because they aren't 'typical' Greek people; that they don't fall under the stereotypical 'Greek' description. Obviously the media sends out an image that Greeks party, do drugs and are overall bad eggs. I won't sit here and say that every Greek has the same intentions and that everyone follows the rules to a T. Because no one is perfect. There is a common goal among Greeks though, and that is to get rid of the negative connotations that surround Greek life and promote unity, respect, responsibility and other morals that we all have. Having a strong community behind you can make a world of difference in social and academic performances.
4. Academic achievements
Greeks care about a lot of things (trust me, there's A LOT), but one thing we care about for sure would be the academic achievements of each member in the organization. We pride ourselves in knowing that we generally have the highest GPAs on campuses, between the student body as well as between other clubs. Every Greek organization has a minimum GPA needed for someone to go through recruitment, to initiate with the organization and to stay in the organization. Now, although this GPA can vary, an average GPA between 2.5-3.0 on a 4.0 scale is the most common. To achieve this total GPA for each member, required study tables are made and must be attended too. The competitions also come into play with academics and the organization and members with the highest GPA tend to be recognize and receive awards.
5. You have to risk it
Most things about Greek life are scary. The rumors that go around, the actual facts that could be spread as well, make it daunting and make it seem difficult to join. And staying motivated to continue working towards a better community is difficult. Being in a Greek organization is a full-time job. There are socials to attend, study tables to focus at, philanthropy hours to reach and keeping an entire chapter quiet and attentive during chapter meetings are challenging. In the end, though, the saying 'Go big or go home' really does apply. Being in a Greek organization isn't just to help the organization further and better itself; it's also to further and better each individual. And sometimes, taking that big risk, no matter how scary and daunting it is, is a sure way to further and better yourself. So why not do it with a community that stands behind you, no matter what? I know from personal experience that, if I hadn't joined my women's fraternity my freshman year of college, I wouldn't be living my dream and I wouldn't have half the support system I do now. So, on behalf of everyone at my university, and to the chapters across the nation, thank you. Thank you for helping me realize I need to risk it to be a better me.
With recruitment just around the corner, a lot of final preparations are being made. Times are stressful and people are probably getting on your nerves, but I want you to remember one thing. Remember that moment you got your bid, and remember what you have. Remember who, no matter what, is willing to stand behind you and your decisions that you make. Remember that feeling of being home when you're around your brothers and sisters, and remember that, you've got a nation of chapters behind you. That's thousands of people that went through a very similar process as you and have a very similar feeling to you when you first joined. Things get hard, and small situations seem to be bigger then they really are, but you can do it. You can make it through it. Because you are Greek.
