With Rush week quickly approaching, so does the discussion of paying to have friends. There are people that look at Greek life and think that we feel the need to be accepted or think that we pay only to be cool. While Greek life does consist of having great friends I didn’t join so I could have more friends. Clubs and the girls in them can be looked at in a negative way but from being a member, I believe that people miss all the good things that come from being involved in Greek life.

First let me begin with the fact that most clubs have at least one, if not more, philanthropies that they support and fundraise for throughout the year. All the organizations that are supported are helping people of this country and nation that are in need. Do you love to serve, or have a desire to serve? Many clubs, on top of what they do with their national and international philanthropies, have local opportunities for their members to serve.

Greeks are also responsible for a lot of events that take place on campus. For example, we have dances, worship nights, and even things like movie nights. These provide great opportunities for the club but also for the entire student body and the surrounding community. Being a part of a club is a great chance to become an active member of the student body and encourages you to meet so many new people.

We get t-shirts. If you don’t get excited about this one then I don’t know what to tell you. Greeks get a t-shirt for almost everything and I promise you will never run out. I love to be basic and wear large t-shirts and I also love the fact that I pay in advance and then get a t-shirt. It’s kinda like Christmas.

We are more than just a group of girls that meet. We are a community. We are sisters. I know that if I am ever facing something in life that I can go to my sisters. They are there to not only encourage me in life but also in my spiritual life. Yes we meet weekly, but through our meetings we are growing closer as a community and as sisters.

Last but not least, I don't feel like I am buying my friends. I feel like when I received my bid, I was receiving an invitation to hang out with people just like me more often. What I love about being Greek is that I was able to find a place where I fit in and a place where I felt like I was wanted and belonged.

While there may be many differences in me and my sisters, I never for a second have regretted becoming apart of Greek life. I know that the friends and the memories I have made are genuine and I can't wait to continue to "buy my friends."