Going Greek in college is easily the best decision I've made during my college years so far, and I think most students who are Greek will agree with me. While Greek organizations are heavily stereotyped and not too often favored by the media, anyone who is Greek knows that these stereotypes are completely false for the majority of chapters nationwide. It's important to recognize all the benefits that we've been given by being Greek, and follow that recognition with appreciation for the amazing opportunities and relationships we receive daily from our organizations.
One of the biggest parts of being Greek are the relationships that you make. When you join a fraternity or sorority, you immediately gain a support system that will have your back during your college years and many years to follow. They’re the ones who keep you humble and cheer you on when life is going great, but still love you even when you’re at your worst. People are right when they say that you meet your bridesmaids and groomsmen in college, and I think most people who are Greek would agree that they met these important figures during their years of collegiate membership. It's amazing to think that most of the friends I have now, I wouldn't even know if I had decided not to go Greek, and it's because of my organization that I've developed such unbreakable friendships and steadfast love for my sisters.
Another major benefit of being Greek is giving to philanthropy. Each organization has a primary national philanthropy that they fundraise and raise awareness for, and many chapters also choose a local philanthropy that resides in their city or state. Supporting and learning about different philanthropies that your chapter and other chapters sponsor instills a sense of humility and pride, something I see in Greek affiliates daily. Students who are Greek devote an incredible amount of time, dedication, and passion to organize fundraising events benefiting their philanthropies, which is proven when you look at how much money is raised yearly by Greeks nationwide. The planning and preparation that goes into organizing fundraising events and coordinating with the organizations just goes to show how much Greeks care about their philanthropies, while also teaching responsibility and appreciation for what you have.
Being Greek is so much bigger than yourself. When you first join a fraternity or sorority, it can be anything from a social club to a combination of letters to wear on your chest. However, as you grow and learn from your organization, it becomes so much more. Being Greek is all about friendship and giving back, and knowing you are a part of tradition that’s continued for hundreds of years really is something to be proud of. Wear your letters with pride and give back to your chapter, because your chapter works daily to give so much to you. Appreciate these years of collegiate membership and cherish every moment with your brothers and sisters, because this experience truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
