When I walked up to the Greek life table at SLU 101, the first thing I was told by the representative was, "Take everything you know about Greek life and throw it out the window."
I have now been a member of a Panhellenic sorority here at SLU for three years, and I do not think that is entirely true.
Half of my conception of Greek life came from movies like Legally Blonde and "throw what you know" pictures on my Facebook that were posted by girls who went to my high school. This part of my misconception of Greek life went along with the image of the shallow, stereotypical sorority girl. I think this conception of Greek life probably was what the person at SLU 101 was referring to.
However, the other half of my conception of Greek life before I started college was much more positive. Both of my parents and many of family members were involved in Greek life while in college. While there were certain stereotypical aspects of their experiences, the majority of them loved being a part of Greek life because of the bonds they formed with other people, and how much they grew as people during college. My father, who was a Beta at K-State, has so many stories about his fraternity brothers, and I love watching his face light up when he talks about his college days. The thing I love most though from what my parents have said is how their Greek organizations helped them take on leadership roles and become more confident people.
My parents are my biggest role models, so my choice to go Greek was largely because they did. They did not force me to do it or anything, but I wanted to do it because I thought it could help me grow to be more life them. I was very shy and not very self-assured when I started college, but going Greek here at SLU has helped me grow so much and overcome those insecurities I had two years ago.
My parents both went to state schools, and while I am sure state schools give you a great Greek experience, I think the Greek experience here at SLU is like no other school I have heard of. The chapters are large, but there is a sense of inclusiveness that makes our community so strong. My chapter is so diverse with many different majors and interests, but the cool thing is that we find a common ground and bond to come together as sisters. I am not going to say we are absolutely all best friends and hang out all the time because that would be pretty silly, but for a large diverse group of over 200 women, we get along pretty well. I feel so at ease to be myself around my sorority sisters, and I think my sorority has really helped draw me out more and more every year. I have discovered more about myself because I am allowed to be myself.
The bonds in our chapter are strong, but the thing that is so great about SLU Greek life that goes beyond individual chapters is that there is not a lot of rivalry between chapters. I'll admit that, when Greek Week and SLUperbowl come around, there is a little bit of (healthy) competition. However, I think we are all genuinely supportive of each other, and those rivalries, when presented, are not encouraged. Some of my best friends are in other Greek chapters, and I think that is such a good thing. I love the girls and my friends in my sorority, but I would hate to feel confined to hang out with one group of people all the time.
SLU Greek life is a big part of one's college experience, but it is not one's whole college experience. Greek students are so involved and have so many leadership positions on campus. Seeing these amazing role models in your own chapter and others really encourages you to want to step up and also take on those roles. The Greek community often is held to a higher standard by the university and given certain expectations, but we are members of values-based organizations. We should be trying to hold ourselves to a higher standard.
I know there are sometimes those complaints that the Greek population over-represents itself in organizations that represent SLU for things like philanthropy and showing SLU to prospective students. This is such an unfair criticism. People involved in Greek life are very motivated people and encouraged to take on leadership roles. Our organizations help us foster the confidence and skills to take on those roles and be good at them. I am not trying to say anything against people not involved in Greek organizations, but it is so ridiculous to criticize people in Greek life for being involved. I know for a fact I would not be involved with many things I am without the confidence and support I have gained from being Greek.
My personal Greek experience has certainly not been a walk in the park. There have been times, particularly my first year, where I wanted to quit because I did not believe I could do it. However, this only taught me about the value of moving forward and putting in an effort. When it comes to Greek organizations, you really get from it what you put in. I was genuinely scared to put myself out there my freshman year because I was not confident in what I could do or who I was, but taking those risks and being persistent has paid off so much for me. I have taken on so many things from the confidence I gained from my sisters, and I have found so many role models and leaders to look up to. Greek life at SLU is not just about forming bonds with others, it is about learning to value yourself.
