As unfortunate as it is, tragedy is in inevitable. Throughout my two years of being involved in Greek life, I have attended a student’s memorial service, watched a friend go through the agonizing pain of being diagnosed with cancer, and, recently, listen as I was informed about a new member of my sorority being rushed to the ICU after being hit by a drunk driver. None of the above was easy for anyone. I am sure I speak for the majority of people affected by these situations when I say the unbelievable support provided by not only friends and family, but the University of Arizona Greek community, is what made these events almost bearable. The power of sympathy, as shown by a group of college students, has never been more apparent.
Yeah, on a normal day, there are weird tensions between certain chapters regarding who is better than whom, and that’s normal. What is Greek life without a little friendly competition, right? None of that matters when people are in need; it does not matter what house you are in. Sometimes people say “No matter the letters, we are all Greek together,” and that is completely accurate. It is a pretty amazing feeling when you see how complete strangers come together and become a part of something so much more than the house they chose during recruitment. They become a support system, because that is what the Greek community is about. That is when you know you are growing up.
The most amazing experience I have ever been a part of was when a member of my sorority put a donation site together to raise money for our sister Riley, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Originally, the goal was to raise 1,000 dollars to go toward medical bills, but the next morning, everyone woke up and saw that the site had accumulated a significant amount over 1,000 dollars.
One day, Riley and I were in class together, and as I was secretly scrolling through the names of people who donated (she didn’t know about the site, it was a surprise). I began to recognize names of people I knew from high school, Sigma Kappa chapters across the nation, other Greek organizations on campus, and even the teacher who was lecturing in front of us that very second. I was blown away. About a month later, as tears ran down most of our faces, Riley’s best friends presented her with a check of $15,473 at our sisterhood retreat.
Horrible things happen, and that is something no one can prevent. I am not exaggerating when I say UA Greek life is made up of students who truly sympathize for each other, no matter what letters they wear. I am honored to be a part of something so meaningful. I am thankful for the mutual respect that is exhibited by so many young people. I am forever grateful for the sorority that has given me so much, the friends I have made along the way, and the constant support system that came with going Greek. The University of Arizona is not reality, but when real life scenarios happen, we are surrounded by some of the most genuine people.
