Being in greek life can come with a lot different feedback. Some is positive, but unfortunately, a lot of that feedback can be negative as well. Some people automatically look at you different with the perception that you're dumb, haze people, party a lot, etc. If you're in greek life, I am sure you can fill in the blanks of other things they think. I think the worst can be that you're apart of some sexual assault culture from things on the news. Here are some of the things I am so grateful greek life has brought to me that I wish everyone could see from the outside looking in.
1. Friends
Some people like to say that in greek life you pay for your friends, well if that is the case then I did not pay nearly enough for them. Going to a commuter school it can be difficult to meet people and make friends. My own Little and I had two classes together before we actually had the opportunity to become friends once she joined greek life.
2. Networking
This also ties in with friends, but the amount of connections I have made through greek life is worth a thousand networking events. What is great about greek life is we are pretty good about helping each other out no matter what letters we wear.
3. Philanthropy
People tend to think of parties and drinking right away when thinking about greek life, but they tend to neglect all the charity work we do. My organization not only requires us to do a certain amount of service hours, but also does work year round for Breast Cancer Education and Awareness, which is something near and dear to my heart. A fraternity on my campus donated all their philanthropy money toward another sorority woman's family because her brother passed away from cancer a few days before. Still think all we do is party?
4. Structure
When joining greek life you have weekly meetings and set mandatory events. Some people might be turned off by it, but I think it is great. It gives you something to feel a part of that later becomes a part of you. It also helps when you first join get to know all the people in your organization.
5. Sisterhood/Brotherhood
"A sister/brother is worth a thousand friends" - Unknown. Enough said.
6. Leadership
Once you join greek life you learn so much about being a leader whether it is from gaining leadership positions to watching others in their leadership positions. One of the best leadership positions I ever did was become a recruitment counselor. Sometimes you even learn the most when becoming a last minute coach for your philanthropy.
7. Social Life
Something I love about greek life is there is literally always something going on. You will literally never be bored and you also learn how to make everything fun. Also just becoming more social in general, I have seen so many people come in very shy and reserved and then become known as social butterflies.
8. Family
I can truly say that I have two families. My actual family and then my greek family, both are near and dear to my heart.
9. Instant Connection
A great thing about joining greek life is the instant bond you have with anyone in greek life. Meeting new people becomes a whole lot easier when you both find out you're apart of greek life and now have a common ground. Even meeting adults older that were apart of greek life gives me something to converse with them deeper than what my major is or when am I graduating.
Greek life is not something that is for everyone, but I am very thankful it is something that was for me.
