Greek life. When people think of those two words, images of frat boys chugging beer and sorority girls "throwing what they know" pop into their heads. Although those two things may happen, they are not even close to what Greek life truly is. In this article, I'm going to tell you the truth of what happens when you go Greek.
You become a part of something bigger than yourself. Most people who are against Greek life are the ones that never gave it a chance. When you join a fraternity or sorority you have the rare chance to make a difference in what seems impossible on large college campuses. You can contribute in a way that benefits not only yourself but others. From planning philanthropic events for organizations to helping your Greek organization grow and become better, you can make a difference.
Making friends is a whole lot easier. For me, as an out-of-state student, making friends with random people on a giant campus was not easy. Thanks to Greek Life, I have my lifelong friends that will be at my wedding, the birth of my child, and I will be at theirs. People against going Greek always say "I don't want to pay for friends." You aren't paying for friends, you are paying to be a part of something bigger than yourself. If you make friends while you are there, that is absolutely a part of the experience, too.
The Greek community's grades are significantly higher. Because of the strict rules set by Greeks, you must have good grades to join and stay in your respective fraternity or sorority. If you don't make the grades, you don't get to enjoy the luxuries that are provided.
It is much more fun. Now with all of that said, we also like to have fun. Partying after a long week of staying at the library gives that much needed release so you don't end up pulling out your hair halfway through the semester. On top of being able to drink and have fun, you get to have fun with all of your closest friends every weekend. If you happen to go to a school where football is life, you get to tailgate and have fun before every home game.
It looks great on a résumé. When you show that you've been a leader in your fraternity or sorority to future employers, you are more likely to get that job due to having shown initiative. I know many people who have been hired because they have the connections from college, which leads to my last point.
Networking. Meeting all of these people in college can do wonders for your future. These days, just having a degree doesn't cut it anymore. It is now who you know and how you know them. When you join Greek life, you meet so many people and just being from the same school can make or break a potential job.
In the end, the choice is obviously up to you. Greek life isn't for everyone and that is perfectly fine, but I would be remiss if I didn't try to persuade everyone I know to at least try it. My fondest memories are of me and my fraternity brothers here in college and I'm just now becoming a junior. If you give it everything you've got and go into rush with an open mind, you will be amazed at what you find. Go Greek.
