Currently, SUNY Oneonta has five recognized sororities and six recognized fraternities on campus. Personally, I know that becoming a member of a Greek organization has impacted my life. With rush week in full swing, I decided to interview members of Oneonta's Greek community to hear about their experiences. I asked them:
1.Why did you join Greek life?
2. What is your favorite part of Greek life?
3. What advice would you give to someone interested in rushing?
Marisa, Junior, Sigma Gamma Phi Sorority
1. I wanted to get more involved on campus and meet more people. I also didn't have the greatest friends freshman year so I needed something to do on my own.
2. My favorite part of Greek life are all the close friendships I've made. I wouldn't have met some of my very best friends if it weren't for joining my sorority.
3. I would say to be open minded and go to events held by a lot of organizations to see where you fit the best. Also, it's most important to just be yourself and get to know everyone you can.
Scott, Senior, Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity
1. When I was in high school, I was always involved in clubs. When I got to college, I was excited to join a club, but joining a fraternity was intimidating because of how the media portrays them. The reason I joined is because the brothers of my organization took an interest in me as a person and not as another name on a roster like other organizations spoke to me. Other benefits that I saw was the networking opportunities as well as the opportunities that the local and national organization offered to succeed. I also felt welcomed and accepted and that is why I ended up joining Greek life.
2. My favorite part of Greek life is the ability to form friendships with the members of my organizations as well as create strong relationships with people from other organizations.
3. Some advice I would tell people interested is to come in with an open mind. Greek life might not be portrayed accurately on the media, but for those in the organizations themselves, everyone works their hardest to succeed academically and do community service.
Melissa, Sophomore, Sigma Delta Tau Sorority
1. In high school I was in various teams, clubs, youth organizations, and also had a job. I love being super involved wherever I am, making a difference in the lives of others, and having a group of people to lean on. When I got to college and all of that went away, the obvious answer was to find a new community to be a part of that would give me the same excitement and passionate feeling. That place for me happened to be Greek Life.
2. My favorite part of Greek Life is the sisterhood that I’ve found in my sorority. I’ve created such strong bonds with so many different people. That support system is like no other and makes me feel comfortable and at home in college.
3. If you’re interested in rushing, my advice would be to check it out and not wait! You might think you're not the “sorority type” but there really is no such thing. Go around to every organization and find the girls that you click with the most. Also, don’t be shy and just be yourself because sisters are truly excited to meet you!
Sal, Sophomore, Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity
1. I joined Greek life for the brotherhood. I saw how close the group of guys were and I just wanted to be a part of it.
2. My favorite part of Greek life is knowing if you need anything at all, you have 30+ brothers to come and help you.
3. For someone interested in rushing, I would tell them to venture out and find the organization where they fit in best. It isn't for everyone, but just take the leap of faith and try it.
Paula, Sophomore, Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority
1. I joined Greek Life to branch out of my comfort zone and meet people of all different backgrounds and to make connections/network myself to meet others and help me with jobs in the future. I also love giving back to the community so it was a great way to get involved and host community service events to help those in need.
2. My favorite thing has to be our community service events including my sorority's philanthropy event, Rocking for Robbie, which helps raise money for children with play therapy.
3. Advice I would give to someone interested in rushing is to be yourself and don't pretend to be someone you're not. Also, be opened to meeting all different girls.
David, Senior, Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity
1. In high school, I was in youth organizations that really engraved the idea of brotherhood into me, so when I came to college I knew I wanted that same sense of brotherhood and I found that with AEPi.
2. My favorite part of Greek life is the connection between all of my brothers within my fraternity. It's amazing to have that comfort of knowing that they are always there for me no matter what.
3. My advice would be to really take your time to meet every organization and find the people you connect with the best. There are so many great organizations on campus.
