College is a hoot. Furthering your education in your field of interest while heading in the direction of your preferred career. A huge part of college life on almost every college campus is Greek life. Sorority girls and fraternity guys deal with infamous stereotypes on a daily basis, but in reality it's nothing like "The House Bunny." I've yet to even be initiated into Phi Mu, and I haven't even discovered who my Big will be, but in one month I've learned so much more than I'd have ever imagined.
Friends that last a lifetime.
In just a few short weeks, I've met people that have changed my life. It sounds extremely cliche, but I've met people that I intend will be my friends for a long time into the future. Girls that I can connect with. People that care about me as much as I care about them. I've never had anyone in my life that would go to the extent that I would go to for them, for me. The people that I've met through Greek life so far would do anything to help me out whenever I need it. That's who I am as a person, and it's incredible to finally have people like that in my life.
A social life is necessary.
College as a freshman can be overwhelming. Learning how to balance hour upon hour of studying and homework, getting involved, work, and workout is definitely a task. However, it IS mandatory. Going to class for five hours and then spending the rest of the day in your room studying is impossible. You will go crazy, trust me. I was living that life. Reaching out to Greek life has gotten me out of my room. I'm constantly involved, and I've always got someone around that I recognize.
All members of Greek organizations don't "just party."
While yes, each chapter may throw a bomb party once in a while, this stereotype is beyond ridiculous. It's such an incorrect assumption, and I blame movies such as "The House Bunny" for portraying greek life as such. There's so much more to it. Life of greek members consists of constant philanthropy events as well as many other service opportunities.
Greek life doesn't mean I'm "paying for my friends."
Alright, this one gets me heated. Yes, we have dues to pay. No, I'm not making friends because I'm paying my dues. I'm building relationships with people. Just because I pay my dues doesn't mean my sisters have to bring me pizza when I'm sick or wash my feet for me after I break my coccyx. Anyone that suggests to me that I'm "paying for my friends," is ignorant and close-minded. Coming from a small town with a graduating class of 80, adapting to college life hasn't been easy. Reaching out and talking to people has been difficult. Greek life has pushed me to meet people even when I wasn't sure I was ready.
Going Greek isn't all about myself.
While some suggest that joining Greek life is something for me to "put on my resume one day," it's so much more than that to me already. Many assume joining a sorority or fraternity is a personal decision to set up a career for the future. While yes, I believe that I'm going to develop incredible skills throughout my time with Phi Mu I know that there's more to it. I'm building a family in Dearborn while being two and a half hours away from my family, and to me personally, that opportunity is life changing. I'm beyond thankful for where this journey has lead me already, I can't even begin to describe how excited I am to see where it takes me.
