I grew up in church, literally. I spent more time at church then I did at school, at home, or anywhere really and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. When I went to college, I decided a bigger school with greek life was the place for me.
I went through recruitment and joined an affiliation I am so proud to be a part of, but none of that stops the weird looks and questions that come from a background in church and then joining greek life.
Here are five truths that come with growing up in church then joining greek life.
1. Members of your affiliation who didn't grow up in church are confused.
Southern Baptist, in particular, are stereotyped as sticks in the mud to put it as short and straight to the point as possible. Going through recruitment and getting asked where you spent most of your time in high school, then answering "church" did get a few weird looks.
2. People at your home church actually think you've lost your faith.
People sometimes forget that just because you've joined something that isn't associated, normally, with the Christian faith doesn't mean there aren't people a part of it who are Christians.
3. You have to explain to everyone you haven't gone insane.
Everyone, and I mean everyone, is confused and you always get questions like this,
"Are you on drugs now?"
"Do you drink?"
"I bet you dress so scandalous."
No, no, and still no.
4. You meet other people in Greek like experiencing the same thing.
Someone fiinnaallyy gets it. You can unite in the fact that just because you're a part of two things that don't always mix doesn't mean you're alone in that.
5. You accept the fact that people won't always accept you.
Everyone is going to see whatever you're involved in how they want to see it. It isn't your job to explain all of the aspects of your life to every single person you know.
Being a part of church growing up and now has greatly impacted my life for the better, just like Greek life has. There are people in both realms who really understand how the two can interact and work together, but that's not the majority and that's okay.