I know sometimes in Greek life we become frustrated and want to throw in the towel, but really that shouldn’t be the answer.
By my junior year I was feeling the Greek life burn out, it happens, it’s natural, and its okay. You have to realize that the chapter is forever changing as older sister’s graduate and new members step in, it’s not always going to be the same chapter you joined your freshman year.
With all the other stressors we have throughout college being involved in Greek life is another item that is added to your already busy scheduled. With weekly chapter meetings, committees, positions, and events, your hands and calendars become full. It can be hard to juggle, it can feel unmanageable at times, but remember you have your sister behind you for support along the way.
It is 100% natural not always to see eye to eye with your sisters; the expectation of being BFF’s with 40 other girls seems a little unrealistic. So if aren’t necessarily buddy-buddy with every girl in the chapter that’s okay, you’re human! There may be some cat fights along the way, but if you disaffiliate over that wouldn’t you have let the other girl win? Every chapter has its clicks, that’s also 100% normal for any large organization, you will find your place and find your people within the chapter. It’s not about loving every girl in the chapter; it’s about loving the chapter as a whole.
Yes, being Greek is a financial obligation that you should truly consider before signing your bid card. But realistically if you put a few dollars away every week you will be able to pay your semester dues. Do you actually need that new MAC lipstick when you already have three similar shades? Or how about that Starbucks Latte? The thought of choosing makeup or coffee over a lifelong legacy should be an easy choice, wouldn’t you think?
Remember why you joined, if you look back onto the day you signed you bid card do you remember how happy you were? Remember the day you got your big and how excited you were? Remember how proud you felt once you were initiated? Remember getting your first set of letters, as you could hardly wait to show them off on campus? Remember taking your first little and spoiling them rotten? Why would you want to burn all those precious memories by disaffiliating?
Not saying that social status should matter by any means, however being Greek is a form of a social rank in college. Everyone who is Greek knows the love of wearing those letters, walking on campus in letters is instantly saying “I am part of something more.” The hard truth is most times when you disaffiliate there is a harsh stigma that goes right along with it. You’ll lose connections within the Greek community, you will be known as a disaffiliate, no one wants to be known as a disaffiliate, it’s like the plague.
It’s more than just something you’re involved in throughout college, its lifelong, filled with lifelong friendships, and a lifelong legacy to the chapter. So before you decided to sign that disinflation letter I hope you think long and hard about everything you’re about to give up, and remember once you’re out there is no coming back.
