During your college years, you are given the opportunity to go Greek. Sure, it seems cool in the movies, but why would you want to join an organization in real life? When you join a Greek letter organization, you're joining more that just the T-shirt. Here are some things you may want to think twice about before moving over to the dark side and pledging an organization.
1. You actually learn financial responsibility.
Every organization, no matter which council you join at whichever school, expects you to pay dues. These dues are balanced to pay for things that keep the chapter running, and you're actually expected to pay them. This means that you might need to learn how to properly budget in order to pay these payments on time.Yeah right, like you would ever use that in the real world?
2. You find people with the same values as you.
Greek organizations were founded on a system of various beliefs and values. Each group of men or women isolated particular values that they would like to see reflected in each and every member. If you go Greek, chances are you will find a home in an organization that mimics your core values. How could someone really want that, though? Why would you want to be surrounded by people who share your same values? That would make building lifelong friendships way too easy.
3. You have a (gasp) support system.
By joining a Greek organization, your are joining hundreds, if not thousands, of other men and women who have also pledged themselves to your organization. You are surrounding yourself with men or women who will have your back no matter what. They can tell it to you straight when you need to hear it, or let you cry on their shoulder when you need to just let it all out. You're joining an organization of people who will always be there for you, why would you want that?
4. You have to attend events.
When you're a member of a Greek organization, you are expected to attend some of the events that your organization puts on, as well as step out into the social scene and support the other organizations on your campus. By doing this, you might actually gain a sense of respect for a philanthropy, donate some money to a great cause, meet some new friends, and make awesome memories. But, like, that doesn't sound like fun at all.
5. You are expected to be a leader.
As a member, you are given multiple opportunities to be a leader, and you might feel inspired to take them. While not everyone can be the president or a VP, everyone does have an equal opportunity to step up and take control over choreography for a skit, paint a banner, assist with study hours, or just step up and lend a hand where it's needed. You are also expected to be a leader on campus by representing yourself and your organization in a positive light. As a member, you should raise your hand in class, pull your weight in a group project, or even stop by a tabling event for a club or group on campus and hear what they have to say. Sounds horrible, am I right?
6. You might find the true version of yourself.
College really is a time for change. You move out, start making your own rules, get your career path sketched out, and really take the time to get to know yourself. Through Greek life, you will be given numerous opportunities that may help you figure out who you really want to be after you graduate. You could realize that you actually suck at public speaking, but excel behind the screen and keys of your laptop. You could even learn things about yourself that you never knew, like the fact that you love encouraging others, resulting in you deciding to change your major in order to impact the lives of students in underprivileged neighborhoods. Sure, you could find out these things on your own, but going Greek could really help open the door for you. But, hey, you've already got it figured out, don't ya?
7. You might fall in love with your organization.
While there are many factors that play a role in Greek life, the largest one is quite obvious: the organization itself. Sure, the members rock and your ritual is something that you will always hold close to your heart, but there is just something about belonging to an organization that gives you that proud feeling in your gut. It's like that time your high school football team made it to the state championship game, except you're not in the bleachers. You're playing the game. You're raising money, opening doors for yourself, forming friendships that will last a lifetime.
Who would want something like that, anyway?
