The first day of school my freshman year, I recall walking around campus and seeing the University Center flood with people wearing t-shirts with Greek letters I didn't know how to read. They all assembled together, in a large group, and seemed to socialize with no one else besides other Greeks. I had never been interested in Greek life or fraternities, so I had decided that I wouldn't pay much mind to them and probably wouldn't go through the recruitment process.
As the semester went on, I realized that a lot of the leaders on campus who I had interacted with were also in Greek life. My orientation leaders, resident assistants, co-workers, and fellow members of clubs and organizations all seemed to flaunt those same Greek-lettered t-shirts that I saw that huge clump of people wearing the first day of classes. I realized that although Greek life definitely does have a social aspect to it, it is a platform that allows people to try and get more involved and become more prominent leaders on campus.
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I was always interested in being involved. I joined some organizations my first semester, and met so many people that I aspired to be like when I would eventually be a senior in college. Ironically enough, most, if not all, of these people who I aspired to be like were all Greek. I obviously had my preconceived notions about Greeks due to what I had seen in movies, on TV, and online. But I decided to take a risk. My second semester, I decided to sign up for IFC recruitment and give this whole "Greek life" thing a shot.
During the process, I was super nervous. While most of my friends had other friends that were going through recruitment, I didn't really have any other friends that were going through IFC recruitment. So, I decided to take a risk and go through alone. I met all the organizations, clicked with them, and eventually decided what organization was for me. And that decision definitely made a huge difference in my life.
Because of Greek life, I have received so many great opportunities and experiences that have led to personal growth. I was able to work as an Orientation Leader. I have attended regional conferences, and I have also planned philanthropy events for my organization. I have done a lot of community service, and I have also met so many other great people involved in Greek life, both in my own org and in other organizations.
So, why should you go Greek? I know most people have their own personal hesitations, whether it be money, their parents, or worries regarding hazing, but all I can say is that going Greek has changed my life for the better. The Greek community is one that is so strong and so united, and if you decide to go Greek, I promise that you won't regret it.
