Once I signed my bid, I expected to be constantly surrounded by 50+ girls—always laughing, going on lunch dates, wearing letters 24/7, and giving cute little gifts to everyone. Well that’s not Greek life.
Here’s what Greek life is.
It’s having someone there for you whether it be to lend a hand or a shoulder to cry on. It's knowing you don't have to look to far to get a laugh when you need it during a rough day. It’s having a Big who loves you unconditionally, a Grand-Big who you can turn to when you’re stuck in a rough patch, and a family who wanted you ever since they laid eyes on you.
It’s being part of a community. I made great friends through Greek life who may not even be in my specific sorority. I met my boyfriend through Greek life. I met his brothers and look forward to hanging out with them too. I know several girls in other sororities who are incredible young women. I know a handful of young gentlemen who belong in amazing fraternities. I see what they do, and I know who they are. They are supportive. They are leaders. They are selfless. They are not the stereotype.
You won't be best friends with everyone. Some drama is inevitable. You'll know some members better than others. It's the truth. Greek life is not what the media portrays it as. It is what you make of it, and the best thing to do is to genuinely want to improve your sorority/fraternity. Only then will you see progress and bonds being created.
It is easy to turn into someone you’re not when you find yourself trying to please a crazy amount of college kids. I know people who turned into completely different characters, but that is not what Greek life is. You join the Greek community to better yourself. You want to become a better woman, a better man, a better member. Don’t try to mold yourself into something you’re not because you’ll only lose yourself in the process.
I rushed...twice. I was turned down by one of my top choices...twice. Everything happens for a reason, and I came to the realization that what happened to me was a bit disheartening at first but one of the best things in the end. I was one of those girls who wanted to join the Greek community the first second I stepped on to campus. I followed all of the organizations on social media. I made sure I had all of the right outfits for Meet the Greeks, the ice cream socials, the info sessions, and recruitment. I had everything planned.
That's where I went wrong.
During recruitment in the fall, I was so focused on one sorority that I found me trying to mold myself into someone the other girls wanted to see. I said what they wanted to hear. I wore what I thought that they wanted me to wear. It was artificial. I left fall recruitment absolutely crushed. I wasn't selected by the sorority I thought I loved most.
Spring recruitment came around. "Here's my chance to convince them I really do fit in" I thought. Not learning from my previous mistake, I once again wore what I thought the girls wanted to see, said what I thought they wanted to hear, and I made sure to act in a way that the girls would think I fit in with them...and I wasn't asked back. I was upset, and I was embarrassed. I wanted it so badly, and I almost had it.
I also attended some of the events from the sorority that would end up accepting me, and I attended these events in the most raw and genuine way. I wore what I wanted. I said what I thought. I was always a really shy and quiet girl and socializing with a group of more than 20 was nerve-wracking. Yet, I felt like I could say what I had on my mind without hesitation. I remember talking to the first girl I sat next to, and I was relieved. I knew that I was being myself and conversations were effortless. From there, I talked to another girl I immediately connected with. I kept getting to know more of the girls in the sorority, and it felt real.
Greek life is something we cherish, so it is up to us as a Greek community to ensure that we do not fall victim to the stereotype. Keep being the young, innovative women you are. Continue to be the gentleman you know you are capable of being. Treat each other with respect. Be leaders. UIC's Phi Kappa Psi held an event called Breaking Barriers where students smashed a car in an effort to help break social barriers. The event made the news and also raised money for charity. Delta Phi Epsilon raised more than $471,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Alpha Sigma Tau and Theta Xi hosted a charity date gala where proceeds went to Habitat for Humanity. I can name countless other events and philanthropies Greek life supports and wholeheartedly cares for. Make that known.
It took me a bit to really appreciate all I am a part of and what Greek life has given me, but I can say that "Greek life is the best life" (Shout out to Zack!).
