If you haven’t already noticed, there’s a bit of a rivalry between some Greeks and non-Greeks. There are nasty stereotypes, unfriendly exchanges on anonymous apps like Yik Yak and Whisper, and the occasional (or not-so-occasional) incident of social exclusion.
It really needs to stop.
Many of my friends and most of the writers who contribute to The Odyssey are in fraternities and sororities, so I’m starting with a necessary yet genuine disclaimer: I have absolutely nothing against them or the Greek system itself. I realize the stereotypes don’t apply to the vast majority of them and that Greek life has been an extremely important and positive part of their college experience, and it’s not about “paying for friends” or constant frat parties… I get it. You won’t see any hatred coming from me.
That said, I have a love/hate relationship with my non-Greek status.
For starters, you Greek ladies look fab almost all the time, and you have plenty of friends with similar style who tell you how good you look; you are living the life. Plus, you made puffer vests and baseball caps the fall fashion staples of last year and it’s not even 1998 anymore… literally no one else on this planet has the power to do that. Sororities 1, Earth 0.
However, having grown up with fairly strict parents and a tight budget, I had never stepped foot in a Francesca’s or a nail salon before recently. I wouldn’t have survived beyond the second day of recruitment week, let alone the subsequent four years of chapter meetings, events, and formals that all require different trendy outfits and nice dresses each time. My student bills wouldn’t get paid if I had to spend my money following dress codes and doing more than the bare minimum to look presentable in public; I’m no stranger to wearing sweatpants to class or using dry shampoo more than I should, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
On a less superficial note: Sorority women, I highly respect and admire the idea of sisterhood. Everyone in your house is your sister, and while I assume it’s not drama-free all the time, the bond you share is invaluable and in many ways I regret passing up on that opportunity as a freshman. Using that sisterhood for philanthropy and networking is just icing on the cake; if there is anything the Greek system does better than any other college experience, it’s creating a community and empowering young men and women to get ahead in life.
The advantage I have as a member of the non-Greek community, though, is a more diverse circle of friends and the freedom to do whatever I want with my Monday nights and weekends. I also have more of a responsibility to do my own networking for internships and job opportunities, and I can move into my own place without being required to live in a sorority house for at least a year; I’m forced to be independent and self-sufficient, which seems unfair at times but has proven extremely valuable. Not only did I land a paid internship that wouldn’t have been possible with the schedule obligations associated with Greek life, I can also relax at home on Saturday nights, drinking cheap wine and wearing footie pajamas instead of worrying about finding a formal date and getting blisters from heels.
The most important thing I’ve learned is that the superiority complex associated with Greek life is a myth. Your status inside or outside of the Greek system doesn’t define who you are or limit your chances at success, and my ability to make a life for myself regardless of the fact that I’m not cut out for sorority life has given me the chance to appreciate both ends of the spectrum. I’m glad the Greek system exists, but I’m also glad it’s not for me.
