There are six National Panhellenic Conference sororities, eleven Interfraternity Council fraternities, six National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations, and several service, scholarly, and religious sororities and fraternities at SEMO. With fraternity and sorority recruitment coming up in September, I encourage all of you that are thinking about going Greek to at least go through recruitment and see if it's right for you. There is a home for everyone here at SEMO, and I'm so happy I found mine in my sorority. Here are some reasons why you should go Greek.

1. Having 50+ sisters or brothers.

I grew up with two stepsisters and a brother, but when I went Greek in college, I gained 100 sisters. I have 100 people that will have my back, give me advice, and love me unconditionally. You become so close to your brothers or sisters from all the things you do together, and you create such special bonds that couldn't be created anywhere else. You may even find your future bridesmaids/groomsmen by going Greek. These people become not only your friends, but your family. Plus, you always have someone to order pizza at two in the morning with, which is pretty awesome.

2. Philanthropy.

Every sorority and fraternity are partnered with some sort of philanthropy. The philanthropy that my sorority is partnered with is one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to be apart of my sorority. We work so hard both fall and spring semester to raise money for our philanthropy, and it's the most rewarding feeling ever to know that our hard work is going to a great cause. I know the other sororities and fraternities work hard as well to raise money for their philanthropies. Plus we all support each other by participating in events for their philanthropies.

3. Leadership Opportunities.

In sororities and fraternities, there are so many ways to become a leader. You could run or get chosen for an office, or step up and help a brother/sister out. You learn how to communicate with others, problem solve, and make important decisions. You can become someone that leaves a lasting impression on your chapter. It is also a great resume booster to have leadership abilities under your belt.

4. Keeping Good Grades.

GPA requirements in Greek life are a real thing. There is a minimum GPA requirement for all the fraternities and sororities, and you could possibly not get a bid or get kicked out if your grades are under the GPA requirements. Yes, Greeks normally have a higher GPA than non-Greeks, but it's usually because of this requirement. Also, most of the Greek organizations have study hours to help you keep your grades up. Remember, you are a student first.

5. The Fun Stuff.

There are so many fun things that Greeks do. We take part in homecoming, in which every sorority is partnered up with one or two fraternities to create a float, and participate in a lot of fun events. There's also Greek Week, during which every sorority is partnered up with one or two fraternities to help raise money for different philanthropies in the Cape Girardeau area, and participate in more fun events like Chariot Races and Greek Sing. We can't forget about socials, formals, date parties, big/little reveal, birthday celebrations, and sisterhood/brotherhood events too. Plus, you get a lot of t-shirts. Who doesn't love t-shirts?

Going Greek at SEMO was the best choice I've ever made. I went through sorority recruitment in the fall of 2013 and accepted a bid to one of the six wonderful sororities. If I didn't go Greek, I wouldn't be the person I am today. It has made me a better person and a better leader. I am so grateful for all the opportunities that Greek life has given me so far, and I hope you go Greek as well and have many doors open for you.