Dear Freshman and Independents,
First off, Freshmen, welcome to campus! By now you are getting used to your classes, hopefully making friends, and starting to get a taste of the "college experience". However, you must also be realizing that it is not like the movies. You don't party every night, 8 am classes are different than in high school, and finals week will be a living Hell on Earth, That being said, fraternities and sororities are also different than in the movies. We don't throw project x parties ( not usually ), we don't beat our freshmen and women until they are black and blue (if you do you need to be arrested ) , and we are far less scary and intimidating than we seem. You have heard several myths by now and I'm sure that you have questions.
Flashback: My freshman year, I had friends but I hadn't really found my place. I was in the marching band where virtually every guy was in this fraternity; Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. I swore up and down that I would never "go Greek". One year later, I am the Chapter Historian and Homecoming/ Formal Chairman. Let's take a second to address some concerns you may have.
Hazing
This is the biggest fear of "pledges". We have images of the Greek members doing terrifying things in dark, candlelight rooms. While there is a secrecy amid each group, hazing is a criminal offense that we don't want charged with. Most schools have strict, zero-tolerance hazing policies. I never understood why you would join a group if you have to go through that. Supposedly, it strengthens a bond within the group. I was never hazed and I and practically inseparable from my brothers.
Booze
Yes, college kids drink However, Greek parties are usually not like you see in the movies. Yes, some can throw a "rager" where you will have fun stories to reminisces on to your kids, especially if they were conceived that night. That being said, many group will not pressure you to drink if you do not want to. Party safe.
Grades
Some people are scared to go Greek as they fear it may impact their grades in a a negative manner. I am here to say that is entirely false. Many fraternities and sororities as well as their schools hold grades and academics at a high priority. There is usually a GPA requirement to stay an active member. Study groups are easily formed with your brothers or sisters and the diverse array of majors can get you expertise in a multitude of areas.
Now that we've covered the bad things. Let's talk about the good things.
Bigs and Littles
Most fraternities and sororities will assign you a Big (short for Big Brother/ Sister) when you pledge. They usually help guide your through the beginning stages of your involvement in the group. Most bigs and littles have a special bond unlike any other friendship and can very easily become like family.
Brothers/ Sisters
When you are initiated into the group, you become brother or sister to everyone else, including alumni and other chapters across the globe. This leads to many interesting stories to be heard as well as connections and networking for the future.
Service
Many fraternities and sororities participate in service projects or philanthropies. Since I am in a music fraternity, we foster the growth of music and perform for the sick or elderly. If you want to get involved with helping others, Greeks are glad to help you, help them.
Letters
OH. MY. LANTA.
Letters (shirts with your group's Greek letters) are the most amazing thing ever. You can have cool designs that express you and your group for the world to see!
When it boils down to it, there is nobody on campus I rather hang out with than my brothers. Going Greek was the best choice I have ever made.
Fraternally yours,
A brother
