No Matter the Letters...

“No matter the letters, we are all tied.”

A common phrase used to universally celebrate the unity of greeks across all divisions of greek life; Multicultural, Social, Service, Professional and Honors, etc. While a beautiful concept in theory, the unity between greeks and other organization on the University of New Haven’s campus severely lacks.

We all have friends in different organizations and we support each other as individuals. However, our organizations do not seem to radiate the same support for other organizations (greek or non-Greek). But, why?

Segregation, as defined by the Webster Dictionary, means “the practice or policy of keeping people of different races, religions, etc., separate from each other.”

We are subconsciously segregating ourselves from other organizations. This segregation runs deeper than just within greek life. It is increasingly present among other organizations on campus. With over 150 clubs and organizations at the University of New Haven, only 17 of them being greek orgs, you would expect a mutual and reasonable amount of support and respect for all organizations regardless of what it is that they stand for or what it is they do for our collective community. We should be celebrating this diversity.

As a member of greek life, I would like to say that being in a Greek Organization does not mean I am better than anyone else. I am going to say it again. Just because someone wears a shirt with twill letters across their chest does not make them superior. What matters and what we often forget, are the exemplification of what it is that our organization stands for. I am a member of a multitude of different clubs and organizations and I do my best to allow my individuality shine through in an effort to better my surrounding community. I use what I learn being in greek life to enhance the other organizations that I am a part of.

In light of our country’s climate, I am asking the greek community to remember why you joined. Reflect on who you were before Greek Life and how you have changed since joining. Before you are a Brother or a Sister of your organization you are a member of the University of New Haven community. Before you are a student at the University, you are a son or a daughter. Before you are a son or a daughter, you are a person, an individual. What are your goals? What are your aspirations? What really matters to you?

It breaks my heart to observe the many people who forget their individuality. When you join any club or organization your presence is far more beneficial when you can think for yourself and take responsibility for your actions, both positive and negative. You never want to conform. You want to enhance who you are and further develop into a person that any given community would be blessed and lucky to have.

“Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” -Vince Lombardi

We should be looking beyond just people that are in the group. If they support something that you or your organization believes in, go and support the cause. Make a conscious effort to end this subconscious segregation. Go to events hosted by organizations that support your individual beliefs and your organization’s beliefs. We are the University of New Haven. We are the Chargers. Before we make up 150 clubs and this campus population, we are all human.

No matter our organization, we are all tied together.