Greek Life has an awful, and unfair, reputation. People think all we do is party and drink. There have been countless movies and TV shows, even recently, where Greek Life has been shown in this light. Simply put, it isn't true. Are there some kids who party and drink? Yes. But are there kids who aren't in Greek Life who do the same thing? Yes. Greek Life is so much more than that. We are scholars, philanthropists, leaders, and individuals. Greek Life is a unique experience that you will never get again.
When you join a fraternity or a sorority, you aren't just signing up for four years. When I heard this the first time, it freaked me out. I only had 3 days to decide which sorority I wanted to join for the rest of my life. This was a huge commitment. I wasn't sure if I wanted to make it. During my time as a new member, I started growing closer to my sisters. I got my beautiful big, who I couldn't image my life without. I started feeling like I wasn't making a big, scary commitment but instead I was joining a family.
That family doesn't stop with your chapter. When people say Greek Life is a community, they really mean it. I thought that all of the chapters hated each other. That was until my sorority had our first fundraiser of the semester and at least one person from every chapter was there. Not only were they there, they wanted to be there. That was one of the first times I felt like I really joined something bigger than myself. In turn, we went to the other chapters' events. I have met so many amazing people in both the fraternities and sororities on campus. From Alpha Phis to Phi Delts to ADPis. Greek Life is made up of some of the most amazing people.
Now, just because we all love each other doesn't mean there isn't some friendly competition. Here at Ashland, we have Lip Sync and Greek Week, which most campuses have. Even though we're all competing against each other, there is still a strong sense of community. Plus, it will probably be the most fun you have all semester. (#ThetaPhiForLipSync2k16)
The opportunities are endless: from leadership positions to networking to having plans for spring break. With Greek Life, and most things in life, it's important to remember that you get out of it only what you put in. If you don't go to events or try to bond with your sisters and other chapters, you aren't going to get as many opportunities. There have been people who have wanted to drop because they said they didn't feel welcome. You just have to come to events and hang out at the house/suite. Will it be awkward at first? Yes. But you know these people like you: they decided to give you a bid. Fight through the awkward stage: I promise it's worth it.
Greek Life doesn't change you, it helps you grow into the best person you can be. Sororities and fraternities don't want to change you. I always thought each chapter had a certain mold they wanted you to fit into, but that isn't true at all. What makes chapters different is the set of values they focus on. The members of that chapter strive to live out those values every day. Do we mess up? Yes. But your sisters and the other chapters are there to pick you back up again.
Going Greek was one of the best decisions I have ever made. If you are unsure if Greek Life is for you, you can go through recruitment and drop if you don't like it. It's no big deal. We won't hate you. You aren't an awful person for trying out Greek Life and then deciding it wasn't for you. Greek Life isn't for everyone. But at least you tried.
