At the beginning of my freshman year of college I joined a sorority and it is still on of the best decisions I have made. Even though I am more than happy to be in a sorority I am sometimes hesitant to tell people I’m in one. Students involved in Greek life always have to carry the burden of their stereotype. I’m afraid to be labeled by others before they even meet me as a “basic” sorority girl.
When I tell non-greek people that I’m in a sorority one of the most popular responses is that I’m paying for my friends. Yes I have dues but no they are not to buy friends. My chapter dues go towards the overall operations of my chapter. The money I spend each semester goes towards things such as chapter events, socials, shirts, etc. I’ve explained this to countless people and I still hear the same old thing.
Those who are non-greek also only see sorority girls and frat bros as nothing but party animals. Sure we all enjoy going out every once and awhile but that is not what greek life is all about. Greek life is about forming bonds with your sisters and brothers that will last a lifetime. When I first joined my sorority I was told that my future bridesmaids were in the room and I honestly now believe that might be true. My sisters are eighty amazing girls who I know will be there for me whenever I need it. All the movies about greek life that you’ve seen are wrong. We don’t all hate each other and we aren’t plotting each other's murders.
Greek life also has a massive positive impact on the world. Greeks raise over 7 million dollars every year for charities. One of my sorority’s philanthropies is the Cystic Fibrosis foundation. Since adding the Cystic Fibrosis foundation as a philanthropy over 1 million dollars has been raised and the life expectancy from around 5 years old to 30s, 40s, and beyond. Without the help of Delta Phi Epsilon none of this might have been possible.
If you still aren’t convinced that Greek’s are more than their stereotypes here are some facts for you to ponder. Over 9 million college students are part of greek life. Everyone of those 9 million has joined for different reasons, some joined to make friends others to make a difference. College graduation rates are 20% higher for greeks. Having to keep up a certain GPA and having required library hours doesn’t leave too much time for wild partying. Since 1825, all but three presidents were part of a fraternity. 85% of Fortune 500 executives were part of greek life. The first female senator and the first female astronaut were both in sororities. So maybe being part of greek is actually a positive thing.
