So recently, another Odyssey article has been going around focusing on Greek Life versus non Greek Life. As a writer myself, I admire other writers who aren't afraid to put their opinions out there. As a part of the Odyssey community, I also 100% support everyone who contributes to the well-being of the site. Putting your thoughts out there for the world to see can be a scary thing, and the backlash can be brutal. But on the same level, if you are going to put out your thoughts on a subject, you better make sure you're well educated. If you aren't, you just wind up making unnecessary enemies and honestly sound like an idiot. With universities across the nation coming back to school and recruitment for Greek Life beginning, I thought it would be appropriate to educate those who aren't, and simply clear the air. These are common misconceptions that need to be cleared once and for all.
1. "You're paying for your friends"
False. One hundred percent. True as a part of Greek Life, you have to pay a set amount of dues. These dues go towards the upkeep of the house, social functions, and other smaller budgets to support the organization as a whole. No one needs to "pay for friends", you can find them anywhere. And quite honestly, if I did pay for my sisters, then I should be paying a hell of a lot more for how amazing they are.
2. "Everyone hazes"
This is a bit of a touchy subject. I can't say that hazing doesn't happen, because unfortunately on some campuses it still does. And it sets a bad image for the rest of us. My campus has a strict "No Hazing" policy, with severe repercussions. This goes for so many campuses across the country as well. Those in Greek Life are working so hard to fight this stereotype and end hazing for good.
3. "Your ceremonies are so secretive, you're basically a cult"
As a part of any organization, there are secrets. There are ceremonies. There is ritual. But this is what makes it worth it. The secrets we share with other members of our chapters unite us and help us to bond with one another. They also unite us with members from other chapters, and it a connection that you can't find anywhere else. It's what makes us belong together. And it makes us feel special. Everyone deserves that.
4. "Sorority girls aren't very smart"
I know my chapter, and so many others, require certain GPAs to be a member. This isn't meant to be a bad thing, and it is in no way unrealistic, it's just put in place to help. Once a member, if your GPA drops below what is "required", you would be put on some form of study hours. The whole point of this is to inspire the members to work hard in school, because ultimately that is the reason why we are here. We want to support each other and push each other to be the best they can in all areas of life. This support from so many people behind you makes you want to be better. And in all honesty, Greeks have a higher average GPA versus non Greeks.
5. "All you do is party"
I'll be the first to say this, Greek Life is definitely fun. It is very social, which gives you the opportunity to become friends with a multitude of people. And there is nothing wrong with a little party here or there. But that is not even close to all we do. Every Greek organization has their own philanthropy, some even have multiple. Every semester, we raise money towards many different foundations. Over the last ten years, Greeks alone have raised millions. Apart from that, Greeks are involved around campus, have countless volunteer opportunities, and simply are just looking for ways to better themselves.
6. "Sorority girls are all blonde and skinny"
Anyone in a sorority I'm sure finds this very comical at times, and annoying at others. Because it is so not true. You can't believe everything you see on TV folks. Just like in real life, Greeks come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. At the end of the day, we are just ordinary people. Why should we look or act any different? Greek Life isn't meant to mold you into a certain type of person. It's meant to lead you to opportunities and people you otherwise might have missed.
7. "No one in Greek Life cares about school"
Literally addressed this number 4 above. Greeks on average are holding a steady 3.32 GPA, while non-Greeks are averaging a 3.20. Sure, it's not a huge difference. But it's still there. Everyone in Greek Life is a college student. And college students are here to get a degree. If all we did was slack off and party, why would we pay so much money to do something we could do elsewhere? We are all here to get a degree and pursue our dreams. Just because we went Greek, does not mean we don't care.
8. "That takes up too much time."
I won't lie here either, as yeah there is a bit of a time commitment that comes along with Greek Life. Every single organization on the planet, whether it be a sorority or not, involves your time. But it's not wasted. Those in Greek Life love their chapter, and put in everything towards it. You only get out what you put in. So we immerse ourselves within it. That's not a bad thing. In all honesty also, there really isn't that many required events, and much of it is optional. I'd much rather spend my time at chapter or even going to the store with my sisters, than sitting alone watching netflix.
9. "You only hang out with people in your sorority/fraternity"
I can list off a million people who are some of my closest friends who aren't in my sorority. And even then, I can name off so many non Greeks from that list. I have friends in every other house on my campus. I am even very close with girls from my freshman dorm hall that aren't Greek, or other people that I have had countless classes with. No one in Greek Life cares what house you are in or aren't. Like I said before, we are just normal people. We can be friends with whomever we pick, and we honestly want to be friends with whoever.
10. "It's all about looks"
I can't stress this one enough. No one cares about the way you look. What we do care about, is the way you act. Personality is key here. If you're a genuinely nice human being, then you will find a sorority or fraternity to call home. It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside. What does matter is if on the inside you're either Cruella DeVille or Mother Theresa.
I'm not saying going Greek is the right thing to do, because honestly it isn't for everyone. I personally could not imagine life without my amazing organization and my sisters by my side. But if you don't want to be a part of it, then that is okay. All we ask is that you understand and accept us the way we accept you. Stop spreading the lies. Because in the end, we are all just people.
If you want more facts about Greek Life, check out another article of mine here:
