As a member of a sorority, and Greek life in general, there are many assumptions that come with membership. There is more to Greek life than meets the eye. Here are the classic stereotypes that come with being a fraternity or sorority member, and then here is the actual truth:
- Fraternity and sorority members don’t care about their grades/aren’t smart.
This is completely false. In order to rush and join, you need a minimum GPA! Also, you need to maintain a certain GPA to stay in, which is great motivation in school. Many chapters have study hours, so members can get together and study or do work for the week. Members of Greek life also have a higher rate of completing their degree versus non-Greeks: 70% percent of Greek life graduate, where only 50 percent of non-Greeks do. - There is hazing involved.
Sadly, the only news you hear about Greek life are those negative headlines about hazing and partying. There is never talk about the endless fundraising and philanthropic events we hold every semester. Over $7 million is raised annually from sororities and fraternities, which supports and donates to various causes and organizations.
- All you do is party!
Just mentioned above, that is not the only thing we do. Where we may go out on a Friday night, the next day we will have a philanthropy event. Greek life is the biggest network of volunteers in the US, with over 10 million hours donated annually! But even when we do go out, we still uphold our sorority/fraternity standards and represent our organizations. - Greek life won't help you in your future.
Fraternities and sororities are endless networking opportunities. There are 123 organizations with 9 million members total, so no matter where you end up in life there will be a Greek nearby. There are endless connections and benefits with joining an organization, you never know who may run into in future jobs and endeavors. - You pay for your friends!
Ah, the classic line. If I really did pay for my friends, I would not have paid enough. Typically, membership dues only account for 2 percent of college expenses. Those dues help fund scholarships, chapter events, and support our philanthropies Those fees do not include friendships, memories, and the priceless bonds that come with joining.
- Greek life doesn't represent your school well.
Over 85% of the student leaders across 730 campuses are members of Greek life. Not only are we in a fraternity or sorority, but we are members of academic clubs, sports activities, and volunteering. Greek life is everywhere on your campus, and you may not even know it.
- Your rituals are weird.
Rituals are dramatized in the public eye. Some Greek organizations have been around for over a hundred years, making all the rituals and traditions unique to each organization. Once joining, it is an amazing feeling to be able to carry on the same values, legacies, and traditions that were previously set way before you. - Sororities and fraternities only care about appearance!
Not everyone dresses the stereotypical preppy look. You can be yourself with your brothers and sisters. Like Drake, “sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no makeup on, that’s when you’re the prettiest I hope that you don’t take it wrong,” brothers and sisters do not care if you’re in your ultimate best or sweats, because most likely they will be right there with you.
- Greek life is about assimilation.
Not every fraternity member wears Vineyard Vines and Sperry’s, just like not every sorority girl has their monogram everywhere and only wears Lilly Pulitzer. The great thing about joining Greek life is the acceptance and love from your brothers and sisters. So you can be whomever and whatever you want to be, and they will support and encourage you!
- Greek life is secluded.
We have just as strong relationships with non-Greeks as we do Greeks. Becoming a part of Greek life helps you learn to branch out and build relationships with various people, whether if they are in an organization or not! The bond shared within the Greek community is also taken and carried everywhere else.
Membership not only lasts the four years at school, but for life. Greek life is not only a fun organization to be a part of, but it comes with many rewards and benefits not typically noticed. Behind those letters on the front is a brotherhood/sisterhood unlike no other, and a lifetime of opportunities and memories.
