Many people have no clue what a fraternity or sorority is when they get to college, or, most of the time, they have a false idea of what they are all about due to what they have seen on movies or TV. I am here to bust some commonly believed myths about Greek life on the Franklin College campus.
1. They are buying their friends.
Let’s face it, when joining a fraternity or sorority, you have to be able to make a financial commitment and pay your dues on time. However, saying that someone is joining an organization to buy his or her friends is completely wrong. Joining the Greek life community is a great way to meet new people when you are new to campus and it is also a great way to give back to the community.
2. They do it for the parties.
I hate to break it to you, but Greek life isn’t like what you see on TV. We don’t have huge ragers, take body shots off each other, or have pillow fights in our undies. This just isn’t a reality. On the Franklin College campus, Greek life is something to be proud of. We do great things for the community, are supportive of one another, and have great bonds within and without our organizations.
3. Getting hazed is the only way to get in.
This is absolutely 100 percent false. The FC Greek Community is completely against hazing. We don’t make people do stupid stunts, hurt themselves, or get blackout drunk in order to join our organizations. We look for people that will help our fraternity or sorority grow and try to make them feel as welcome as possible. Also, our Greek Coordinator, Natalie Brewster, does an excellent job of keeping tabs on all Greek organizations in order to make sure nothing like this were ever to happen. She herself is also extremely against hazing.
4. It is too expensive and takes up too much time.
It’s true, that if you want to commit to a Greek organization you are you going to have to be willing to put forth both time and money. However, these two things should never keep an individual from the great opportunity that is Greek life. For starters, most all organizations on campus can work with you on a flexible payment plan if you are struggling to meet your dues every month. Also, not all events within that organization are mandatory for attendance and all organizations are quite flexible for prior commitments and athletics.
5. Once you’re in, you become your organization’s stereotype.
Let’s face it. On Franklin College’s campus, each fraternity and sorority has its own unique stereotype. Some are looked at as partiers, others nerdy. However, do not let these steer your decision because they are all false. Each organization has its own unique personality that you should sense when you rush or go through recruitment, so let that feeling deep within your gut tell you where to go, not just what people are telling you. Also, please do not join an organization just because your roommate goes there or your brother was in the same one. Go somewhere because you feel like you belong and that you can make a positive difference. Listen to your heart and don’t be afraid to GO GREEK!
