A Fresh Take on Greek Life
Yes, this is an article about collegiate Greek Life. No, it doesn't involve an extreme hazing incident, a disturbing recruitment story, or a house party gone wrong. These incidences represent the minority of what fraternities and sororities stand for. However, it seems that these accounts get an disproportionately large amount of press compared to the stories that accurately depict Greek Life. Where are the stories that highlight the good in "Going Greek"?
This article is the first installation in a series entitled "When Greeks Give Back". The purpose of this series is to highlight what Greek-letter organizations are all about—the enrichment of lives. This enrichment is not just achieved by making friends for life, but by serving the community. The belief that one can better himself/herself by helping others is at the heart of every respectable fraternity and sorority. I am proud to say that all Greek chapters at Jacksonville State University share this belief. I hope you'll join me in recognizing and supporting the hard work JSU's fraternities and sororities put in year after year.
Part 1:
Alpha Omicron Pi's "Sisters for Soldiers" Summer Project
"The 'Sisters for Soldiers' Project is something that has touched my heart in a very special way. My cousin, Joshua, served as a Marine, and was stationed in Iraq. While he was there, our family would send him care packages and letters frequently. He told us how much those packages meant to him, and how he loved to receive things from home. My grandfather was also stationed in Korea. He has shared many stories about how excited he was to receive anything from America in his time there. He also shared many stories about men and women who never received a care package or even a letter from home. He could not imagine how much harder his time overseas would have been if this would have been the situation for him. When I heard about the Alpha Omicron Pi 'Sisters for Soldiers' Project, I became extremely excited to know that our chapter at Jacksonville State University could make a difference."
- Hope Gaskin, Sister of Alpha Omicron Pi at JSU
What difference could a shoebox make? If you ask the sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi at Jacksonville State, a whole lot. The sorority's summer project, "Sisters for Soldiers", focuses on collecting shoebox care packages to send to soldiers fighting overseas.
When asked how the sorority decided to take on this project, this is what Shelby Hendon, the project manager, had to say, "This philanthropy project is done by AOII chapters across the U.S. and Canada. Our international headquarters promote this. We've never done it before so we saw this as a new opportunity to reach out and help different groups of people that do so much for our country."
AOII is challenging other JSU organizations, sports teams, and the community to join in and donate shoeboxes containing food, drinks, games, toiletries, etc. According to AOII sister, Hope Gaskin, the feedback looks promising.
"The thing I have enjoyed the most about this wonderful project is the overwhelming response we have received from the Jacksonville community. It seems that so many people are touched by this project. Whether they have loved ones overseas, or simply want to do something for the brave men and women that are fighting for our country, everyone is excited to help. We are having people contact us daily wanting to know more and how they can send a package as well." said Gaskin.
The sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi have been working extremely hard to make the "Sisters for Soldiers" project successful. They've taken part in a social media campaign to get the word out to as many people as possible. Many sisters have expressed excitement to finally send the packages to the servicemen/women. They are especially looking forward to hearing back from the soldiers who are on the receiving end.
"I am looking forward to hearing back from soldiers that receive these packages," Gaskin said. "We are giving each soldier a letter from our sisters with their packages so they can write us back. I cannot wait to hear how one package effected one of our American soldiers!"
Gaskin also expressed gratitude to Alpha Omicron Pi for giving her a chance to be involved in such a project.
"I do not think that I would have ever had an opportunity to be involved in a project like this one if I hadn't have joined AOII. When I made the decision to join Greek life two years ago, I never realized how many opportunities I would have to give back," she said. "College years have a tendency to be known as 'selfish years.' However, becoming a member of Alpha Omicron Pi has shown me that the saying 'It is better to give than to receive!' still remains true. I am thankful to be a part of something much bigger than myself."
If you would like to join Alpha Omicron Pi in donating to their "Sisters for Soldiers" Project, you can drop off donations at the Theron Montgomery Building on JSU's campus on July 31st from 4pm-7pm. AOII will also make arrangements to take up donations through August 18th by contacting an sister.
To see a list of accepted donation items along with more information on the project follow this link, http://jsu.alphaomicronpi.org/sisters-for-soldiers....
