Is Greek Life For You? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Friendships

Greek Life Isn't For Everyone And That's OK

Connections are all around us, not just in one organization.

141
Greek Life Isn't For Everyone And That's OK

In small southern towns like mine, one of the biggest question recent high school graduates get is "are you going to rush?" After I graduated, almost every one I knew wanted to rush and tried to talk me into joining them. Most people say yes and start discussing different chapters, recommendation letters and what to expect during rush week. However, this article isn't for those people.

Let me stop for a second to say I have nothing against Greek life or its members. I think Greek life is great for some people, in fact, my boyfriend is fraternity member. I love his fraternity, all of the members and all of their girlfriends who are in sororities. Greek life is a great way to make friends and connections in college, but I don't believe Greek life is right for everyone.

My freshman year, I was on the fence about going through sorority recruitment. I was still hesitant in the fall, so I waited until spring when my roommate convinced me to go to the interest meeting. After going to the meeting and a few events, I knew sororities weren't for me. All of the girls seemed very sweet and amazing but something just didn't feel right.

That whole semester I questioned myself on if I had made the right decision. At the time, I barely had any friends on campus other than my boyfriend and my roommate. Shortly after, my roommate and I had a falling out and I felt more alone than ever. I thought I should've joined a sorority just to ensure I had friends.

I've learned now that wanting to join Greek life just to make sure you have friends is not enough. Sororities and fraternities are huge commitments physically, mentally and financially. Physically, I was working two jobs and taking 18 hours of classes. Mentally, I was already stressed about the transition from high school to college. Financially, I could barely afford to buy groceries. For me, the cons outweighed the pros.

Instead of rushing, I decided to find other ways to make friends. I joined three organizations, started talking to people in my classes and opened my mind to new, unlikely friendships. I met my best friend, who is now my roommate, and got more involved on campus than ever.

If you're unsure about Greek life, go to an interest meeting or attend an event. Then, take a step back and ask yourself "What are the pros? What are the cons? Do I feel like I fit in here?" If Greek life isn't for you, find other ways to get involved on campus through clubs and organizations. Talk to people in your classes, especially those with the same major as you.

If you decide to get involved with Greek life, challenge yourself to make friends outside of your sorority or fraternity. Look for new ways to get involved on campus. Try out a new organization or make plans with people in other chapters or not in Greek life at all.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

559295
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

445346
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments