I never thought I would end up attending a small university, let alone becoming a member of a small Greek community. I always thought that tailgates, sports games, and huge lecture halls were the perfect fit for me. A place where I could sit in the background, do my own thing, and walk across the stage 4 years later.
But I surprised myself by selecting a small school with about 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, an average class size of about 25 students, and professors that take the time and effort to learn about each individual in their classroom–Bradley University.
Bradley University may be a small college campus, but they provide so many big school opportunities, one of which is its amazing Greek life.
Being a member of a small school Greek community provides many of the same benefits as larger universities. We hold the same events and rituals, but create a support system that is unique from the big universities. Being a part of a small school Greek life was one of the best decisions I have made because it has provided me with so many perks throughout my undergraduate career.
Here are just a few of the many benefits of a small school Greek life:
1. You get to know everyone
This is one of the best parts of being involved in a small school Greek life. You learn so much about everyone in your chapter and every other chapter as well. When friendships outside of your own Greek affiliation are formed, a small school Greek life works to maintain friendships, not tear them apart. Small schools value being active in the community and getting to know the other organizations. Plus, it is reassuring when you walk your 5-minute commute to class every day and come across so many friendly and familiar faces along the way.
2. Networking opportunities
When you are a part of a small school Greek life, you have a greater opportunity to build relationships with the leaders and alumni in your organization. Whether it is your chapter president, advisor, or even the director of Greek life, you have the opportunity to reach out to them for guidance throughout your professional career. They can provide you with tips or even a letter of recommendation for your dream job.
3. Big ambitions
While a small school may not be powerful in numbers, they are powerful in ideas, abilities, and ambition. In a small school Greek life, your goals and your success becomes that of the entire organization. Your chapter will support you through that biology exam you have been studying for all week, or congratulate you when you land that internship you have been wishing for all semester. But no matter what, your chapter and your entire Greek community will come together to create big dreams, big goals, and support each other along the way.
4. You support one another
In a small school Greek community, each individual chapter works together and not against one another. Sure, we have friendly competitions where we battle to win the philanthropy event or the intramural flag football game, but these events don’t create a rivalry amongst each other. They bring us together to raise money, get involved, and create bonds amongst not only the Greek community but also the entire university as a whole.
So yes, being a member of a small school Greek life is, in fact, different than being a member of a large school Greek life, but those differences are ones that I value every day and make me proud to be a part of this community.
My Greek life experience at Bradley University has helped shape me into the person I am today. I have learned to get involve, create valuable friendships, become a leader, and most importantly come out of my shell. I am incredibly thankful for being a part of such a strong, supportive community, because being a part of a small school Greek community means you are a part of something that is bigger than yourself.
