Every day, fraternity men and sorority women across the country accomplish a slew of good things. These deeds can be through raising millions for numerous philanthropies, earning some of the highest GPA's, or by simply helping out around campus. However, you never hear about this positive side of Greek Life. All the news focuses on are the reported incidents of hazing, or a party that got too out of control. Often, Greeks are given the negative connotation of "paying for your friends". The sad thing is that when this is all you hear about, it gives those who don't know anything about Greek Life the wrong impression.
Yes it is true: bad things do occur revolving particular fraternities or sororities. Some chapters might get in trouble for a crazy party. Some chapters commit inappropriate behavior. Some chapters even get intense backlash for hazing allegations. But this is not the norm. No matter what it involves, it is possible for any organization, Greek or not, to mess up. When those few organizations do, they are punished for it. The news then covers this, and everyone knows about it. But no one knows the good things that come out of Greek life, the good things that should be in the spotlight. Here are just a few...
Throughout the nation, there are 123 fraternities and sororities with 9 million members total.
Over $7 million is raised each year by Greeks nationally.
Greeks volunteer over 850,000 hours annually.
76% of all Congressmen and Senators belong to Greek Life.
The 1st female senator was Greek.
All of the Apollo 11 Astronauts are Greek.
Most of the nations top businesses are run by fraternity men.
Greeks have a nationally higher average GPA than non-Greeks.
Members of Greek life have a 71% chance of finishing college, whereas non Greeks only have a 50% chance.
(NOTE: these Greek Life Statistics are commonly shared and rarely cited. The two original sources for these statistics are the NIC and the Center for the Study of the College Fraternity.)
These are just a few statistics from a long list of the benefits of Greek life and the accomplishments of Greeks throughout our country. In reality, the list goes on and on. So why, after all these good things, are people still petitioning to ban Greek life? The good of Greek organizations heavily outweigh the bad, and it is time for the news to begin focusing on that aspect.
Tom Laughlin, the President of the Inter-Fraternity Council at John Hopkins University once said, "If you remove Greek life, you are robbing young men and women nationwide of an opportunity for personal growth."
Personally, joining Greek life has changed my life. I have over one hundred new sisters that will always have my back. I'm given the opportunities to serve my community, and even more opportunities to donate to amazing philanthropies. I also have a stronger bond with my siblings, cousins, and friends who have also joined one of the many amazing organizations of Greek life. In reality, going Greek was the best decision I have ever made. While it may not be everyone's thing, I still encourage those who are unsure of joining Greek life to just give it a try, because you never know what could someday mean the world to you. So now, I encourage all of you skeptics: give Greek life a chance. You have no idea what it's members could accomplish in our future. One thing I do know, is that it'll be incredible.
