A lot of people look forward to joining Greek life when they get to college. For me, I was a bit more apprehensive about the whole process. The idea of formal recruitment for a sorority terrified me. I was conflicted; on one hand, I really wanted to be a part of a Greek organization and have those strong bonds, but on the other hand, I wasn’t sure that I was the right fit for a sorority. When I did some more research, I found what I was looking for: a gender-inclusive honor fraternity. For me, that fraternity is Phi Sigma Pi, but there are so many great options out there. I was interested in the idea of a fraternity because it was so different than every other Greek organization I came across.

For one, the diversity it maintains is astounding. It is unusual to find such a wide array of interests, majors, hobbies, and personalities in a typical fraternity or sorority. When people ask me why I joined, my immediate response is the diversity. I love that I have a place where I can meet so many people that I would not have crossed paths with otherwise. I am able to make connections with other college students who I would originally perceive as so different than myself, but end up finding out how similar we are. Without being a part of this organization, I could have gone my whole college career without ever meeting some really great friends.

I was also really drawn to what my fraternity stands for. In Phi Sigma Pi, we have a tripod, which is scholarship, leadership, and fellowship. This tripod is the ideals that members hold onto and try to emulate. I believe that the reason I am successful in college is because I try to live by these three pillars. Fellowship reminds me to reach out to others and make connections with people along the way. Scholarship keeps me on track both grade wise, but also on track towards my future career. Leadership shapes me into the person I want to be when I am an adult. I cannot think of any job or experience that I can have after college where these three ideals will not make me a better person.

Being part of a fraternity means that I have brothers. I always get comments from people saying, “but you’re a girl, so wouldn’t you be a sister?” Being a brother goes beyond gender, it is a term for those who you will be connected with for life. Being a brother goes beyond being friends with the other members of your fraternity, it means that these people are important in your life and will continue to be forever. In my fraternity, we say “for a lifetime guaranteed”. I feel happy knowing that no matter where life takes me, I have brothers behind me to help me in hard times and to celebrate with in good times.

Now I know a gender-inclusive fraternity might not be for everyone, just like how a sorority was not for me, but I know that taking this chance was the greatest decision I have ever made. The fraternity pushes me to be a better person and holds me accountable towards the important ideals we should all carry with us. I know that being a brother now is only going to help me in the future and I am so thankful for that.