At University of San Diego, Greek Week is a fun, event-filled week of sororities and fraternities going back to back in competitions like trivia, burrito eating contests, and dance skits in order to raise money for a specific charity/research. This year, all proceeds raised are donated to the Stomach Cancer Research and the themes are surrounded by Pixar Movies. While raising money for a good cause, there is no question about the competitiveness of the teams. Most of us really don't know what's going on, but are still extremely competitive. Here are some of the in's and out's of Greek Week here at USD:
1. Check-Ins
All you have to do to get extra points is walk to the check in table and either wear your sorority/fraternity letters or tell them your first or last name. Unfortunately, some people are too lazy to say two words in order to get their teams points. Easy points that can really affect your team if the laziness conquers.
2. Trivia/Spelling Bee/Impromptu Speech
I am so surprised by how many people knew information about Pixar. How am I supposed to know the date that Bug's Life came out? How am I supposed to know that the short before Finding Dory was called "Piper"? Following was your classic spelling bee. Then, to close it all up, was the impromptu speeches based around Pixar movies. Some speeches were COMPLETELY off topic and had nothing to do with the question which was straight hilarious and others were very good in the connections between the two teammates, which essentially made them win (if students were the judges, the off topic ones DEFINITELY would have won!).
3. Philanthropy
Although there are some fun activities to really round up the excitement, we also get down to earth and do what really is going to make a change in someone's life. On our philanthropy night, there were 20 people from each team that came to make blankets and cards to support Relay for Life and those with cancer. A very inspiring night.
4. Burrito-eating contest
I physically would not be able to eat a California burrito (burrito with french fries in it) in under 2 minutes. That just seems wrong. Anything to raise money for a good cause.
5. Obstacle Course/Musical Chairs
These are always a fun time. Bringing back childhood fun to college life! Gets super competitive too!
6. Skits
Each team puts together a skit to perform on the last day of Greek Week. Themes include Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monster's Inc, The Incredibles, etc. Teams meet every night for 2 weeks to practice their skits to be performed on Friday night. It's a great way for the sororities to bond with their fraternity partners and of course, get down and boogie a little.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter who wins but knowing that all of the money raised is donated to help change the lives of many individuals with Stomach Cancer and expanding research for this disease is inspirational. It is a fun and compassionate week and I have had a great experience at my first ever Greek Week!
