In many cases, those who join Greek life have a legacy. However, that legacy may not necessarily matter in your decision process. For me, as a woman, that was the situation with my dad. Yes, he was in Greek life. No, that legacy was of no help to me when I rushed (obviously). But, just because it's a legacy that had no play in my rush process doesn't mean it hasn't taught me a thing or two, or helped me be a better member of Greek life. In fact, I've learned a great many lessons from my legend of a father. Some of them are so important that I think it necessary to share.
So, without further ado, here are some of the life lessons from my father, the fraternity man.
"Avoid my frat."
Now, this isn't always a prudent, logical piece of advice. I mean, there are socials, philanthropy events (when my sorority won his house's event, he did have a proud father moment), and sometimes just being rebellious. But no matter how many years have passed, no one knows that fraternity like your father. The types of guys may have changed a bit, but not enough. All the secrets, all the rituals, the way they recruit, it's pretty much all still the same. So, if your father is worried about his little girl going to his fraternity, it might be wise to at least proceed with caution (or say that you do, for his sake).
"If a guy's pick up line involves an animal, he is automatically trying to get you to his room."
I mean, any guy trying to pick up a girl knows what his intentions are. His main goal is to get her to his room, but it is never as obvious (or tempting for girls) then when it involves an animal. And guys know that. They know the minute a cute little puppy or other creature comes out, their chances of getting a girl in their bed skyrockets. Now, I won't throw my dad under the bus, so I will neither confirm or deny he or anyone he knew used this pick up tactic. Either way, it's still in use today. So always be wary when an animal comes out, no matter how cute it is.
"Greek Life isn't just fun and games. It is a lot of work and commitment."
My dad took plenty of leadership positions within his fraternity. Naturally, I followed in his footsteps, and learned quickly the same thing he did: a lot of work goes in to being a successful chapter. Yes, there's plenty of fun to be had, but behind the curtain is a well-oiled machine that makes sure everything is running smoothly.
"Know your worth, because if you don't, no guy ever will."
Sometimes it's hard to remember your value when life gets you down. But you need to remember, especially if you're in a place to start meeting guys. No guy is going to validate your worth, but they are able to notice if you have self esteem or not. But, just because they notice, doesn't necessarily mean they all care. Which is why you must own yourself and who you are.
"Just don't even date right now. Guys are nowhere near your maturity level or ready for commitment."
I'm sure my dad specifically meant avoid all boys in general, knowing him, but I'm going to just take it from a relationship perspective. I mean I probably will not follow this, and most girls won't either, but it the point is worth considering. College-aged guys really aren't (always) as mature as us. Most don't want or aren't ready for a relationship. From my own experiences and from my father's knowledge (as he was once a college-aged man), guys ready for a monogamous, loving, respectful relationship are few and far between. So, there's nothing wrong with having a little fun. Besides, it may help you weed through the noncommittal ones faster and find the one that sticks.
These are just few of my frat-star father's golden pieces of advice. If I were to try to include them all, we'd have a full-fledged self-help book on our hands. I'm pretty lucky that I have such an awesome dad who just gets it. Sort of. He's still biased and over-protective, because, well, he's my dad, and I'm his little girl. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
