There has always been a debate over whether or not Greek Life is good for students or if it just gets in the way of school work and other activities. I may be bias but for me it is definitely a benefit. Every con can be overturned by a pro.

Cons:

1. Alcohol Consumption and Sexual Assault

Greek life is often blamed for university problems or problems that would happen whether or not someone was in greek life. Greek life gets blamed for underage drinkers consuming alcohol. However, even if greek life did not exist, college students would still find a way to get alcohol. Students in high school find ways to get it without greek life (just saying). When sexual assaults happen on campus, many people automatically assume that it involves someone in greek life. In some cases, it does happen, but greek life can't be to blame. Even if greek life did not exist on campuses, sexual assaults would still exist. However, when it comes to cases like these, there are always bystanders. When you see a minor drinking, go talk to them about it. When you see someone having too much to drink, go try to stop them. When you see someone about to drive home under the influence, go offer them a ride. When you see a situation that could lead to a sexual assault, go step in so it doesn't happen. When it comes to these issues, it is up to EVERYONE on campus. We can blame organizations and people as much as we want, but as a bystander, you can make a difference and stop a situation from happening.

2. Stereotypes

Everyone always associates greek life with the usual stereotypes that have been said about it. Partying, hazing, drinking, "paying for our friends" are just a few. People also associate every sorority or fraternity with what they have seen on TSM (Total Sorority Move) or TFM (Total Frat Move). They associate greek life the way movies and tv shows portray them as well.

3. Expenses

I will admit that prices do tend to be high when paying for greek life but no one is required to be in it and there are scholarships for those who want in but can't afford it.

4. "Paying for friends" and cliques

Everyone always assumes that when you join greek life, you "pay for your friends." To me that is not the case. You do have to pay to be in the fraternity or sorority but no one has to be your friend or is required to be, it just happens naturally.

5. Time Commitment

While there are mandatory events for those in greek life to attend, you are told about the time commitment before you join.

Pros:

1. Support System and Accountability

One thing I love about greek life is that I always have people I know I can count on. If school is just too much for me, I can talk to any of my sisters about it. If I am going through a tough time, I know I can count on my sisters to pray for me (and gladly do so). If I just need a friend to talk to, I know any of my sisters would drop anything just to be there for me. They will also always hold you accountable for your actions.

2. Study Groups

The transition from high school to college can be a huge deal, especially when it comes to school work. If you did not have to study in high school, you can forget about that in college. In college, you do not have someone reminding you about your test next week or to remind you to study for it. However, when it comes to greek life, many chapters require study hours and make sure you maintain a certain GPA. If you have classes with people in your chapters, you can always help each other and have study groups.

3. Connections

Joining greek life automatically gets you connections. Whether it's a chapter at your school, or chapters at other schools. When it comes to greek life, it teaches you many valuable lessons that will help you in your future endeavors. Greek life teaches you how to be a leader, how to work well with others, responsibility, and much more.

4. Involvement in the community

A certain amount of community service hours are required each semester. Many people argue that you can do those on your own, but personally I think it is much more fun doing community work with my friends. Plus, when you join with others, it gets done much faster and a lot more can be accomplished.

5. Lifelong of friendships

Like I said earlier, paying for greek life does not necessarily mean paying for friends. However, when joining greek life, you automatically have something in common. You also automatically spend a lot of time with one another. In my opinion, this only brings everyone closer.

I am so glad that I am a part of greek life and would never change that. It has given me lifelong friendships and a lifelong support system. It has taught me many valuable lessons that I know will be beneficial to my future. I am so proud to be a part of a sisterhood that is caring and loving toward one another.