In today’s day in age there are so many negative connotations with being apart of a fraternity or sorority. The only thing associated with Greek life is hazing, and binge drinking. Unfortunately, this stuff does happen across college campuses and has led to some tragic consequences. However, I know first hand being apart of a Greek organization that there is so many great things that Greek life can offer you. Yes, there are bad things that occur and I’m not denying that. There is no denying that bad things happen in Greek Life, but that also is the unfortunate fact of life.
But, there are a lot of things in Greek life that are beneficial that never make the news. Hazing scandals and things related will make headlines because it makes for “good news”. What doesn’t make the news is amazing philanthropy events that benefit the surrounding community. What doesn’t make the news is connections that can help you in life outside of college. What doesn’t make the news is the life long friends you will make from joining Greek life. Being in a Greek organization can help change and improve an aspect of one’s self. Whether it is being more confident in taking a leadership position or coming out of your shell and being more confident in your social skills. There are so many awesome things about Greek Life that don’t make that news. Hazing scandals don’t define Greek Life and its unfortunate that sometimes people only think of hazing when they think of Greek Life.
There is always a thought of people in Greek Life being kids who wont be successful because all they do is party. Since 1825, only 3 presidents have NOT been apart of Greek life. Yes, there are some people that are lazy and don’t do things for themselves, but that’s not just in Greek Life. But, across many campuses, Greek organizations are known for having the highest GPAs of any student organization on campus. Total Frat Move, a popular site for fraternity men, reported that out of 227 campuses that reported data to the North-American Interfraternity Conference for the 2012-2013 academic year, 117 fraternities had an average GPA higher than their campus’ all-male average GPA.
Another thing that comes from Greek life is a whole new group of friends. Prior to joining a Greek organization there are some people that you would never see yourself hanging out with. And then they become one of your best friends and somebody you hang out all the time. I have benefited so much from being able to have a whole new group of friends just by being in a Greek organization.
Sure, there are a lot of things that occur in Greek life that are stupid and make it look bad. It isn’t perfect, but neither is life.
