When it comes to Greek life, it seems like these days all we hear about is ABC Fraternity getting in trouble for sexual assault, or XYZ Sorority getting suspended for hazing. As a member of the Greek community, it pains me to see that all of the good we do is being overshadowed by the media who may not know the first thing about Greek life. For a good portion of us, our day-to-day activities do not consist of partying, sleeping around and binge-drinking like the show "Greek" would have you believe. In all actuality, my time is better spent on academics, extracurricular activities, volunteering and my many part-time jobs.
So why is it that Greek organizations only receive attention for the negative things? I very rarely see stories that are positive and uplifting and make me want to shout to the world that I am a sorority woman. That's why this story that has been going viral for the past month has really hit home with me.
In pop culture, sorority women are known for being tall, thin, and blonde air heads who drink all of the time, hook up with all of the frat guys, and don't care about academics. While many of Greek women are tall, thin, and blonde (and are NOT air heads), we come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, beliefs and abilities. At Alpha Sigma Alpha at Murray State University in Kentucky, this is no exception.
You see, one of their newest members, Alexis Cain, defies the stereotype of a sorority woman. She not only displays "poise and purpose," ASA's motto, but also is the first woman with down syndrome to join a sorority. She has been embraced by the entire chapter as being "just another sister," which I believe says a lot about our generation's acceptance to those who are different than us. Just by listening to interviews with Alexis and her chapter sisters, you can tell that she loves her sisters and her sisters love her.
Video via YouTube
This story gives me hope. It shows me that those positive and happy stories are not always overshadowed by the few who choose to give Greek life a bad name. Some have said that this story should not be considered "news" because it is something we should have been doing all along, but I say that it is the step in the right direction to fully accepting everyone for who they are and who they aspire to be. Every great social movement had to start somewhere, and so does this one.
Sisterhood is not something physical, but something you feel inside. It is a connection with a group of women with the same values. Sisterhood is not stopped by disabilities, whether it be physical or mental. Sisterhood is created through mutual love, support and understanding. The sisters of the Beta Nu chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha are doing it right.
"Because there's one thing stronger than magic: sisterhood." -- Robin Benway
