In Defense of the Greeks

       "I would never go Greek. I'm not paying for my friends."

 

     This is the quote I heard during a recent visit to my alma mater. The beginning of both Fall and Winter semesters are big recruitment periods in universities across the country and my school was no different. Upon hearing this my head whipped around in both irritation and general surprise. I'd honestly thought that this age old stigma had gone the way of the dinosaurs. Apparently not.

 
        Being an alumnae member of a sorority myself, I took great offense to this notion. Many of my closest friends, strongest bonds, and confidants are men and women in Greek organizations. There is a tie that binds us and though we are different we still share a commonality. I have watched my sorority sisters get married, start raising families, and have even been there to comfort them during life's roughest patches. The same is true of my friends that are in fraternities. We aren't brainless drones who are members of some absurd cult. We are leaders, visionaries, and problem solvers who are ready and willing to engage in the world around us.

     Don't misunderstand me, Greeks like to have a good time. I won't pretend that I haven't been to a party or five, but to simplify Greek life to only its social calendar is biased and unfair. We are active in the communities around us by doing philanthropic works and promoting our respective universities. Even after graduation we are looking to advance ourselves and our world with new ideas. Many of my sisters and I are still active in each others lives. I am a bridesmaid in the wedding of one of my sorority sisters in August.

 

      While Animal House is hilarious to watch, it does not accurately sum up the Greek experience. It is certainly not accurate in  its depiction of the bond and interactions shared by fraternities and sororities. (My sorority was never on "double secret probation"). To be honest, me going Greek was one of the best decisions that I've made in my life. If I bought my friends, I can assure you that I didn't pay nearly enough.