Greek life is a very special part in a number of people’s lives. For a large percentage of incoming freshman, including myself when I was in that position, they came into their big universities or smaller private schools seeking a tight-knit community that would aid in their efforts for making life-long friends. For me, moving to a school that was not in my home state of Illinois, Greek life provided me with this group of friends that I knew absolutely nothing about. Three years later, I am dreading the day I have to say good-bye to each and every one of them. For that, Delta Gamma, I thank you very much.
Going about Greek life can be an intimidating experience for a lot of people. I have met a handful of people throughout this experience, attended many philanthropy events and have created relationships that I will forever cherish. Not only are we subjected to these social situations and other “party” aspects of Greek life, but we also have the opportunity to participate in other Greek functions, like philanthropies and week-long events like Greek Week. Every philanthropy and events that are held benefit a cause in one way or another.
As we were introduced to more social situations with more groups of people we've met along the way, it later became a more relaxing time as we began to get used to being put into these new and exciting situations. We learned more about the people we associated ourselves with and no longer called them “associates,” but our dear friends. To many, the more intimidating part of this experience has not been trying to get to know men in other fraternities or get to know other women in sororities, but attempting to support each other throughout social situations, philanthropies and/or any sort of event.
We all have instincts that tend to make us extremely territorial. Myself included. There are certain situations where there is a lack of mixing, to say the least. I have friends in multiple houses, sororities and fraternities. Despite the letters we all represent, we are still friends based on our crazy personalities and mutual interests. I have been in situations where houses that we were supposed to socialize with did not want to socialize with us and ditched us days before said event, but for what reason? I hear of these situations where certain fraternities or sororities blow off one another for other people, and for what? I understand that one house may be closer to another house compared to some other chapters, but are we not all in this community together?
We are a community of students that all wanted something similar when we came to Michigan State University. We all wanted a sense of home and to unite with other people with similar characteristics and interests. I feel as if we should smash these stereotypes and boundaries that are put up and get to know the people that we experience college with for these past few years.
So everyone, break these stereotypes. Stop picking one house over another. Get to know your neighbors instead of fighting with them, get to know that one boy or girl wearing different letters. Say hello. Be kind. And most of all, have fun.
