One topic that's not uncommon to the Odyssey: Greek Life.
There are all types of articles for the girls and guys who wear Greek letters on their chest such as: when you get a big/little..., why [insert Greek organization here] is the best, small-school sororities, you name it. But what happens when your independent, AKA non-Greek, best friend goes Greek?
Picture this:
You go through recruitment and get a bid. Your sisters are great, your sorority is great, and you want to shout to the whole world why your sorority is so great. Your new college friends listen as you blabber on and on about this sorority you joined and roll their eyes as another "throw what you know" photo pops up on your Instagram. But, one or two come to some of the events to see what all the fuss is about. Next thing you know, the next recruitment comes along, and guess what? Your best friend wants to join! Soon enough, bestie becomes a potential new member (PNM).
You become an anxious mess, wondering if your sisters will like them, and praying that they will want your best friend in the sorority y'all love so much. You become giddy when your best friend hits it off with a sister from your new member class, and especially when another sister talks to you at breakfast and says she really likes your friend.
Then, your best friend receives a bid from your sorority.
Now this is where you FREAK OUT!
[Come on, I had to put that there.]
That is your reaction for the next few weeks as they start their new member period, go to their first chapter meeting and go to their first event as a Greek. They are not just your friends now, they're your new member babies. You have to look out for them and make sure they don't make the same mistakes you did. And of course, you cry a little lot when they get their big.
I believe that this is one of the most rewarding parts of being in a sorority. Having new people join, even if they aren't your best friend, is an exciting time because they are learning about the sorority and learning to love the sorority as much as you do. And having your best friend join, especially when you're already an initiated member, is so special. Watching them wide-eyed in their first chapter, chatting along with your now sister at their first event, going through initiation, and watching it come full circle as they bring in their own new members is a unique experience unlike any other.
It gives you a new appreciation for your best friend, and they have a new appreciation for you. You have secrets only your sorority knows and letters only your sorority can wear. That appreciation you share, you don't have that with your still independent friends. Greek friends are different than independent friends; that's just how it is. That doesn't mean you don't love your independent friends anymore, it just means that the friendship is bonded over different things.
If any of your friends become curious about Greek Life, show them! The biggest blessing I've had in greek life so far is welcoming two of my best friends into Alpha Delta Pi.
