Most of us grew up watching a movie or two that involved Greek life in some way. Whether it be Legally Blonde, The House Bunny, Neighbors or Sydney White, at the time we thought the way that Hollywood portrayed being in a sorority or fraternity was exactly how we saw it on screen: big parties, loud music, pretty faces, lots of money, and very entitled in the world. I’ll admit, before I went Greek I had some of those fallacies in my head and almost didn’t go through recruitment because of them. There’s a lot that the Hollywood movies and media don’t get to see, because in reality you typically only hear and see the bad things that happen in most situations. I’m not saying that everything is flowers, candy, and unicorns but really, when is the last time you watched a movie on the charity work sororities and fraternities are doing on their campus? Going through recruitment was one of the best decisions I ever made, and no one should ever have these false thoughts in their heads that stop them from trying it out themselves like the misconceptions that almost stopped me. So here are some of the misconceptions that many people think Greek life is about.
1. We pay for our friends.
If we’re paying for our friends, I sure as hell did not pay enough. I paid tuition to be in dance classes and sports academies as a child, so how is paying to be in another “team-like” organization any different? The money we pay goes to numerous things that help our chapter and organization flourish so we can continue to grow. I paid for both academic and social opportunities, connections to others in Greek life worldwide, and I paid for more knowledge on charities that we spend time with. The bonus happens to be that I paid to be a part of something that involves hundreds of other people who share the same goals and values as me. Not once have I ever gotten money in return for being a part of it; we all chose to be there because we wanted to.
2. Rituals are weird and cult-like.
Rituals that chapters have are no different than a soccer team singing a secret good-luck chant before every game. Yes, rituals are kept secret and no, they are not cult-like. Rituals are kept secret from anyone not affiliated to that specific chapter because it dates back hundreds of years to the original founders. Kind of like a family secret that has been within your family for years, chapters keep their rituals secret in order to keep the meaning special. Not to mention--how cool is it to do something that only people within your organization know about? It’s not like we’re trying to be mean by saying, “I can’t tell you what our chapter nights or initiations are like,” but really it’s something special that dates back to our founders. Talk to them if you have an issue.
3. All we’re looking for is to pick up guys and girls.
College is a time that we potentially could meet our future soulmate because we start to mature and realize the qualities that we should be searching for. Of course there are going to be people that you meet and realize that all they want to do is use you for non-emotional ways, but like every normal college student, interacting with the opposite sex is normal. Through Greek life and many other on-campus organizations, we’re able to meet and build lasting relationships and friendships with other guys and girls. Along the way, one might even get lucky and find the love of their life, but the friendships throughout that is one of the benefits.
4. We think we run campus and are entitled to things.
I think this is one the the fallacies that turn most people away from Greek life. Just because we wear letters and have a bid card doesn’t mean that we change the way we live. I was raised to respect everyone and treat them well no matter how hard it is to do so. I still live this way and my letters have nothing to do with that. We aren’t treated better than any other student by a professor and we aren’t handed jobs without effort. The connections within can help us earn things, but we work just as hard to make our aspirations come true.
5. Your letters define you.
“Well this house has *this stereotype* so she must be like that, too.” It is important to be mindful on what decisions you choose to make if you’re wearing your letters, but regardless of whether or not you’re wearing your letters, you should be the best person you could possibly be because you never know what young set of eyes is looking up to you. The way you treat people, the way you act, giving unselfishly, encouraging those around you, and loving as best as you possibly can are things that help define you. Not the letters that you wear or put on the bumper of your car. My letters are a constant reminder that I’m a part of something that is constantly making me a better person, not a definition of who I am.
6. All we do is drink and party.
The movies portray Greek life as a constant party and forget to show the community service and charity events that we participate in. Although many people think that we are always having events such as formals, semi-formals and other events every weekend, we actually only have those events a few times a year. Honestly, the average person in Greek life doesn’t party more than any college student. Yes, we like to have our fun, but doesn’t everyone? We know the difference between play and serious responsibilities and the appropriate time to do so.
7. We haze.
Say the word “haze” around anyone in Greek life and they will probably cringe because it’s such a touchy subject that is taken so very seriously. I am so blessed to be a part of a Greek community on my campus that tolerates zero hazing or any minor form of it. Most other universities and colleges comply with this as well. There are so many anti-hazing rules that chapters have to follow for their new members from the big obvious ones such as “don’t let them eat any food for 3 days” to minor ones such as “we cannot force anyone to be sober sis for formal unless they want to.” Though hazing most likely happens within some chapters, it’s typically fun tasks that cause no harm. Hazing is not normal, and if a chapter is caught, most of them are removed off campus. I guess I got lucky to be lavished with gifts, clothes, and lots of love.
8. Greek life is based upon looks.
If this were the case, I wouldn’t want to be a part of something that chose me because of the way I looked or dressed. I selected my chapter because of the way the girls made me feel when I talked to them at recruitment. They shared similar values and goals as me and they made me truly feel like I had a home away from home. Every sorority nationwide has a diverse group of girls who come in all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. Sure, you might have a few girls who base it on superficial things, typically looks, but that is not what the Greek community is about. Anyone can go through recruitment, and since it is such a diverse community, you will have opportunities to meet people who impact your life greatly.
9. Greek life doesn’t help you in school/Greek life people are dumb.
“85% of Fortune 500 executives were part of Greek life. And college graduation rates are 20% higher among Greeks than non-Greeks.” Please try to argue that we are dumb and unsuccessful. First of all, in order to sign up for recruitment, most schools require a certain incoming GPA to even register. Once you’re in a house, your chapter will have you maintain a required GPA, and if you don’t, you can lose privileges. Most houses do study hours and let’s face it, we all became students on our campus to focus on our educations and the other extra things are bonuses. Thank you Legally Blonde for making this one such a major misconception.
10. People in Greek life are only friends with other people in Greek life.
Sure, I have many friends who are in Greek life, but I also have a handful who aren’t. I can be friends with who I want to be friends with, and there’s nothing I love more than introducing my friends who aren’t in Greek life to my friends in different houses. At school you have the opportunity to meet many other people who often aren’t in Greek life. By participating in other campus clubs and organizations or even getting to know those who live around you at school can help you meet people who aren’t a part of Greek life. You aren’t limited to only the girls in your house or in the Greek community.
11. Sororities can have parties and alcohol in the house.
Most of my friends were surprised when I told them that only fraternities are allowed to have parties and alcohol in them, but sororities are very strict on no alcohol, no parties, and no boys inside rules. Our nationals would never allow alcohol, parties, or boys, but the movies often show sororities throwing these massive parties. Follow those rules or else trouble will be heading your way.
Take the time and hear the actual lowdown on what Greek life is all about, and you too might find yourself in a house. Good luck to those going through recruitment, and to those who aren’t interested in Greek life, I hope you can understand why it’s so important and special to us. Most movies don’t have it right, but believe what you will!
