With formal recruitment coming up soon, lots of college students are weighing their extra curricular activity options. I wasn’t sure about going Greek at first. I, like many others, had concerns about the cost, time commitment and fitting in with a new group of people. That being said, after being in my sorority for a year, I know now that I would have been missing out on one of the best experiences of being in college. Here’s why going Greek was the best decision that I ever made, and why you should consider giving yourself the same awesome experience:
1. You're around people who want to see you succeed.
From bid day to the day that you graduate, you’ll learn to love everyone in your chapter. You’ll learn that each Greek organization stands for a different set of values, and by rushing the organization that best fits you, you’re joining a group of people that will become your second family. The other students in your chapter are there to help you and the organization succeed together. They won’t let you fall without a fight.
2. The academic benefits.
Greek organizations are known for having members with high GPAs. Most organizations have a scholarship committee that provides members with resources such as tutoring, a network of students who have taken the same classes and someone to keep you accountable for your grades. In my sorority, we have to report our grades and complete a minimum number of study hours. This forces us to dedicate time to being more academically successful and staying focused. The only way to go is up.
3. Endless volunteering opportunities.
While most college students volunteer at some point before graduation, they might not be doing it for a cause that they feel strongly about, or may only be doing it to fulfill a requirement for a class. Each Greek organization advocates for at least one philanthropy, and each member considers this part of the organization before rushing. When you choose a Greek organization, you choose them, their values and their philanthropy. Most Greek organizations require that you complete a certain amount of volunteer hours, usually for their respective philanthropy, which looks amazing on a resumé. I’ve always believed that volunteering is good for the soul, and joining a Greek organization opened my eyes to many new volunteering experiences.
4. There are countless leadership opportunities.
Nobody joins a Greek organization without putting time into it. There’s a long list of things that are mandatory for each member to attend. Everyone shares responsibility in helping the chapter thrive, but that gives you the chance to show that you’re an essential part of the equation. In each organization, there are many officer positions that allow you to gain leadership skills that are transferable into the world of employment. Believe it or not, you’ll stick to deadlines, talk to a large group of people and frequently present your ideas if you join a Greek organization. You’ll become one of many leaders.
5. Friendships that will last a lifetime.
I made some of my best friends when I joined my sorority. My twin is my go-to link for life advice. I can trust anyone in my sorority to be there for me if I’m going through a rough time. My sisters are people that I know I’ll still be connecting with when my kids are thinking about going Greek way down the line. If you decide to join a Greek organization, know that you’ll always have a network of people around you that want to see you happy, healthy and successful.
