Being a GDI

Parties, initiation, living with your sisters/brothers, and keeping a life long friendship with the members of your sorority or fraternity seems oh-so appealing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being in Greek life; all the power to you if it's what's best for you. But deciding not to join a sorority or a fraternity is often looked down upon. Being a geed, AKA a GDI (god damn independent) doesn't get enough credit. Both Greeks and non-Greeks alike can go through college having amazing experiences, going to crazy parties, and meeting incredible people.

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At the start of college, I knew for sure that Greek life wasn't right for me. I didn't bother rushing because I couldn't stand the thought of being around a group of girls most of the time; it's just not who I am. During freshman year I saw lots of girls walking around campus with backpacks with their letters on them, hugging their sisters every time they ran into each other, and eating lunch in a huge group in The Union. Part of me felt like I was missing out, so I opted to rush my sophomore year.

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Sophomore year rolled around and it was 2 days before rush week started. I thought long and hard about it to the point where I was overly stressing about it. I knew deep down that being in a sorority wasn't my cup of tea, so I decided to save my money and not rush at all. And personally, it was such a great decision.

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Being a GDI means being able to do whatever you want. Geeds don't have to participate in no booze, no boys. Geeds don't have to worry about standards meetings. Of course, sorority girls and frat guys still have fun; and I'm sure they have loads of it. But sometimes, GDIs get talked down on.

Part of being in a large group like sororities and fraternities involves being social and outgoing. Not everybody is cut out for that. All the sorority girls I've met thus far seem to be able to strike up a conversation without hesitation and enjoy being in a huge crowd; and in all honesty, I'm jealous of those qualities.

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The point that I'm trying to get across is that nobody is better than another person based on their inclusion or exclusion in Greek life. Greek life isn't meant for everyone and the GDI life isn't meant for everyone either. Being a geed has taught me a lot about myself; I've been able to make my own decisions and meet new friends in many ways. I've had more time to explore Flagstaff.

If you're considering rushing, don't do it just because it's what everybody else is doing and certainly don't do it to feel like you'll fit in better. College is an amazing and fun-filled experience either way.