Coming to college, I was completely terrified of Greek life. The horror stories of hazing on other campuses and the fact that most of my friends were guys, made me feel like I would never make it. Being strong in my Christian faith, and a band geek, I thought I would not fit in. But when my friends encouraged me to go out for recruitment, I found that I was utterly and completely misinformed about Greek Life.
Society said: “You are not cool enough.”
My sisters encourage me to be myself. They go to the football games to support me and my other sisters in marching band. They are genuinely interested in my research, classes, and passions, and are dedicated to helping succeed in my nerdy and geeky goals. My sisters also fully support the fact that I am a crazy cat lady at heart, as many of them are too.
Society said: “You are too much of a goody-two shoes.”
My sisters never pressure me to do something that I do not want to do. They understand that as a Resident Assistant, I am held to a very high standard. They invite me to places that they know I can go to, and plan social events that I am comfortable attending. My sisters are always down for a night of pizza, ice cream, and Netflix. Many of my sisters share the same faith as I do, and the ones who do not still support me fully in it.
Society said: “You are not pretty enough.”
One of the philanthropies of my sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, is ANAD (Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders). We are dedicated to raising money and awareness about eating disorders. Even on my worst days, my sisters make me feel beautiful. They encourage me to love myself, even when I do not want to. My sisters and I are all about sweatpants and a messy bun.
Society said: “Greeks are too interested in their social lives, and not in academics.”
All Greeks on UNH campus are required to maintain a 2.5+ GPA. Most people in Greek life, however, dramatically exceed that GPA requirement. We recognize the fact that we are here as students - first, and believe strongly in getting the most education as possible out of our tuition fees. There is no questioning that academics are the most important part of school.
Society said: “You will not be able to prioritize.”
My sorority is dedicated to making sure that we become and remain well-rounded individuals. This includes social, service, sisterhood, self, and scholarship. Every sister strives to improve themselves in each one of these areas, and is held accountable to it. In fact, we are required to show that we have improved in each of these areas throughout each semester. Due to our involvement on campus, my sisters and I are masters at time management.
Society said: “Greeks are self-absorbed and shallow.”
My sisters and I spend countless hours doing community service, and raising money and awareness for our philanthropies. Our philanthropies, and helping people, are the commonalities that tie us all together. The reason that we do what we do is to try to make a difference in the world.
Society said: “You will be hazed and forced to do things that you are not comfortable doing.”
My sisters work hard to form relationships based on justice, sisterhood, and love. None of these things involve hazing. The whole point of our process was to learn about each other and ourselves. I can honestly say that I have never been put into a situation that I felt uncomfortable in any way. My sisters are nothing but supportive and loving always.
If you are considering going out for Greek life, but are not sure if it is for you, please still go out for recruitment. There is no better feeling than finally finding your home. My sisters are my support system, my family, and some of my biggest cheerleaders. Being in Greek life is about being part of something greater than yourself, and the ability to share that bond with other people around the globe.
