Some people are raised in Greek households. I was one of those people. My parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and even family friends all participated in Greek life. It truly does bring happiness to a lot of people. It can open up a lot of opportunities for you and even help with scholarships, internships and jobs in the future.

There are also other kinds of people who do not see the need for Greek life. And yes, it can be expensive but it is a great price for all of the memories and forever lasting friendships that you build up in the process. Greek organizations are for life, which is very exciting.

My personal experience with Greek life so far has been amazing. When I started college, I knew I wanted to go Greek. I started to play rugby which helped me make a lot of friends but something was still missing. At the school I go to, we rush in the spring. It is different than the other schools who rush in the fall and it is kind of nice because you have time to get settled into your new home away from home. It also helps you develop friendships ahead of time so that when you decide to go Greek, you have friends outside of the sorority/fraternity that you can still hang out with and it gives you a break from your organization as well. For me, when I got to school it was a little bit overwhelming. I was very homesick the first semester but the second semester was so great that it reminded me of why I had chosen the school to begin with … and I owe a huge thank you to my sisters for that.

I know that some people say that you are paying to have a whole bunch of friends but in all honestly, you won’t be friends with every person in your organization. This doesn’t mean you are gonna hate their guts but some people just aren’t meant to be best friends. Honestly, I haven’t even had time to get close with everyone in my organization but hopefully I will in the next years to come. But luckily, that organization gives you the opportunity to lay it all beside and be there for that person no matter what. You have a brand new support system that will help you in any way that can at any time. You have older members who can help you with homework or give you advice on your major or boys or anything that you need. It helps to give you a safe place. I had something come up towards the end of the year and I had so many girls there to back me up and help me overcome that obstacle. You have so many extra people there to boost you up and put a smile on your face when your day was too tough for you to bear.

Another reason to join Greek life is because of your pledge class. I have met the best group of girls from my organization through my pledge class. You spend so much time with them that it is hard not to. You guys overcome mountains together and it is so great sitting back and watching them achieve their dreams.

Another cool thing about Greek life is all of the opportunities to hold positions and uphold traditions. I am the Director of Activities for my sorority, and I will have more to learn in the fall but so far it has been a lot of fun. There are so many positions and you have the opportunity to apply to all of them, which looks good on resumes for later in life. In Greek life, there are so many traditions that you get to participate in and that is such a special experience. I hope that everyone has to opportunity to take part in Greek life and leave the impression that it leaves. You have so many opportunities to do good things for the community, you get to go to super fun invite parties and formals, and even just be surrounded by a bunch of other people who love the organization as much as you do!

There really is a place for everyone in Greek life. No matter your background, beliefs, feelings about certain things, there is a home for you in a Greek organization.

(all gifs courtesy of giphy.com)