Lately, Greek Life at campuses all across the country has been getting a bad reputation. The media constantly features stories about hazing allegations, controversial situations, and reinforces stereotypes associated with the Greek community. Many universities have suspended or terminated multitudes of chapters due to infractions that previously would not have triggered any administrative action at all. Things have gotten so intense that many people claim Greek Life won’t even exist on college campuses in the coming years.
Despite the negativity that frequently surrounds this national community, I want it to be known how much Greek Life has changed my life. I always knew that I wanted to join a sorority when I went to college. I saw how influential sororities had been in the lives of many women in my family, and I knew that I wanted to be part of something that allowed me to build the same kind of genuine and lifelong friendships that they did. I registered for recruitment at Clemson as soon as I could and had a good experience during rush. Many girls that I met throughout the process from many different chapters are still some of my dearest friends. When I walked in to the sorority that I ended up calling home, I immediately felt at ease. From the second I was surrounded by my future sisters, I truly felt as though I found my own little niche at such a large school.
My sisters have treated me with nothing but kindness and respect since I joined their sorority. Whether it is another freshman or even a senior, I constantly feel supported, uplifted, and loved. The bond that we share is something unlike anything I have ever experienced before and it breaks my heart that so many people have negative opinions about sororities and fraternities.
My sorority has provided me with lifelong friendships and has given me the chance to get to know an extremely diverse group of girls. It has provided me with leadership opportunities, networking, and pushes me to be more involved in different organizations around campus. My chapter has held me accountable for my academics and is constantly reminding us that we are part of something that is bigger than ourselves. I am encouraged to hold myself to high standards because the way that I carry myself is not only representing my chapter, but our Panhellenic community, and our university as a whole.
I know I can vouch for many girls in my sorority, when I say that our chapter has made our college experiences. What seemed like a big campus where I didn’t quite have a place turned into my own personal spot to shine the second I “ran home.” My sisters are my family when I’m away at school and the friends I have met through it will be in my life for many, many years to come.
Everyone has a right to his or her own opinions about Greek Life, but it truly has changed my life. It has been a way for me to gain confidence in who I am as a person, allowed me to always feel supported, and has provided me with a community that is unmatched. I am a proud supporter of Greek Life and I am not afraid to admit that. My sorority is my home and has made my college experience. I really hope that in the future, both guys and girls will continue to have the same opportunity that I did. Joining Greek Life is one of the best decisions I ever made.
