Many people get a sour taste in their mouth when they hear someone mention the words “fraternity” or “sorority” and immediately think to the negative stigma surrounding Greek organizations. The media and entertainment industry have not helped in setting forth a good, clear, and true image of Greek life, thus the unfavourable portrayals are perpetuated in the minds of many. I admit that I shared some of these thoughts before I became a member of a sorority myself, as it is very easy to judge something before becoming immersed in it firsthand. The parties are over-emphasized, the members are positioned as snobbish and unintelligent, and everyone questions why anybody would “pay for friends.” But I assure you it is far, far more than this.
Several news stories and publicized events have cast a negative light on Greek life, as there unfortunately have been instances where some brutal things have happened. However, it is extremely crucial to keep in mind that this pattern does not follow with every frat or sorority in existence; don’t let the select few who made very bad decisions ruin your perception and solidify your prejudices on the rest. Greek organizations have made incredible strides in their communities through their philanthropic endeavours, scholarship programs, and networking opportunities, and they truly do make a positive impact on both its members and their surrounding communities.
Joining Greek life is most definitely not for everyone, but for those of you who are potentially interested in getting involved, or who possess harsh judgements, I’m here to tell you about the multiple benefits that a fraternity or sorority can offer, and how one can truly receive an enriching college experience without the fear of being judged, or walking into it with little to no thorough knowledge.
1. Networking
This was the number one reason that I joined my sorority. I sought to expand my contact list as soon as I got to university and come across opportunities that could propel my academic career forward. Career skills and future references are a major component of Greek life. You are constantly socializing within your chapter and within the Greek community as a whole, which allows you to adopt amazingly refined and personable networking skills and a chance to connect with contacts that may be of use to your aspired career path. When you join a Greek organization, you are not just joining a chapter of 80 men or women, but also a professional network of hundreds of thousands of alumni around the globe. These distanced, but nonetheless connected, brothers and sisters could aid in helping you come across professional opportunities, as there are bound to be several in your given field of choice. Connections are a major part of landing the job nowadays, and joining a Greek organization facilitates the process of acquiring these contacts. Speaking from personal experience, I was able to work for Michael Kors as an intern this past Fall, which was a position I got by recommendation from a fellow sorority sister. Our chapter president posted the offer in our sorority Facebook group, informing us about the internship and allowing us all the opportunity to apply, and I was especially lucky to be chosen for a position alongside four other sisters in my chapter as well. Greek life is not all about the parties! You could make impactful advancements related to your future career using the lessons, contacts, and opportunities gained throughout your experience in a fraternity/sorority.
2. Relationships & Connections
Joining a sacred and historical brotherhood/sisterhood is at the heart of Greek life. Many years ago, a group of men or women who shared the same values and aspirations banded together to create their organization that continues to stand hundreds of years later. It is incredibly powerful to be a part of a legacy as such, and performing the rituals that were written by brothers or sisters in the early 1900s is an amazing experience. Greek members are constantly criticized for “buying their friends” as yes, it does cost to join an organization, but you are most definitely getting a bang for your buck with the string of opportunities and experiences you receive alongside lifelong friends (and a solid future bridal party). Many Greek members describe their chapter to be a “home away from home,” and you can never truly understand this notion unless you are a part of it yourself. Western is quite a large school, and many can feel lonely and isolated when coming here and leaving everything and everyone you know behind. A Greek organization offers a sort of “second family” (cheesy but very true). There is always something going on, and always a brother or sister to talk to when you are in need. A sorority is not a big catty, gossip group, as exemplified in Scream Queens; sisters genuinely care about one another and encourage others to succeed, and it’s so great to have that support system in times of perpetual university stress. All friends, of course, could offer the same warm and happy connections, but the bonds with brothers/sisters are something unique to cherish as you share values and traditions far bigger than yourself.
3. Professional Experience
Similarly with networking, a Greek organization offers beneficial stepping stones to garnering professional experience that will be of great use beyond school. Being in a sorority/fraternity comes with great responsibility; it can often be time-consuming as there are charity events, sisterhood outings, meetings, and individual responsibilities that you must juggle alongside school and other extra-curricular demands. It is so amazing for learning and maintaining time management skills that are especially important in the professional realm. Each organization has a series of officer positions that lead the chapter, such as the president, the treasurer (deals with finances), the social coordinator, the philanthropy chair, the public relations chair, the property chair (takes care of housing matters), the scholarship chair (deals with academics), the activities chair, the list goes on. Holding a position offers a great way to gain leadership experience, and also experience relative to any career choice if you see fit. I have had the opportunity to hold three positions within my sorority thus far that have all contributed to the social and personal skills I hold today, and that will be incredibly useful in my future career that I hope will revolve around PR and event planning. In my first and second year, I was the social coordinator, which is essentially the chapter event planner who is responsible for executing all social events such as mixers, crushes, formals, dinner outings, etc. I always reference my duties for this position in job interviews relating to event management, and it has been extremely successful in providing me with the skills to embark on these positions. I have also been the publications chair, who is responsible for writing and sending in articles about the chapter’s recent initiatives to our sorority’s international magazine. I currently hold the position of the public relations chair, where I am in charge of promoting our chapter’s events to the university campus and to the Greek community. It’s difficult to receive a solid amount of job experience and important skills before entering the job market, as many jobs now require an extensive background, but a Greek organization can solve this problem and offer sufficient opportunities to build up your resume.
4. Character Building
The “stupid,” “meathead,” “ditzy,” “materialistic” labels that classify fraternity men and sorority women are especially demeaning, and I encourage you to challenge these stereotypes as there is a lot more substance to these people and their overall character. Alongside professional experience, Greek organizations are great for self-growth and personal achievement. One can acquire a good amount of patience and cooperation, as you are dealing with an organization of sometimes 80+ people, and thus 80 ideas or conflicting opinions being thrown your way. It allows you to be open to networking with people at all levels with many behavioural styles, which is a great lesson to learn as you will definitely come into contact with many different individuals in the workforce. One can also build up confidence and a healthy sense of self-worth, as there are many opportunities, especially during ceremonies and bonding activities, that allow you to be yourself and connect with the people around you. Confidence is a big one for me that my sorority helped me gain throughout my time involved, as I used to hold back sharing my opinions and ideas, but realized that I shouldn’t be afraid to express myself when I am passionate about something. My sorority gave me that confidence as I am surrounded by people who encourage me to participate and offer my ideas, and build me up whilst doing so. My public speaking skills also improved vastly as I had to give speeches in meetings because of the positions I have held. I have gotten so used to speaking in front of crowds, and that has translated into my classes and has really benefitted me greatly, as I used to dread getting up in front of people and now I do so seamlessly.
5. Great Way to Get Involved
There are a tremendous amount of clubs and organizations at university, and it can be incredibly overwhelming trying to pick one that best suits your individual interests and hobbies. A Greek organization is the best of all worlds, as they offer a variety of extracurricular opportunities pertaining to many different passions. You get the social aspect of course, the charity component through philanthropy events, the importance of scholarship with inner study groups and workshops, and also the sport element as there are always a group of members down to start an intramural team or host a charity sporting event.
6. Philanthropic Endeavours
I briefly touched on the philanthropy aspect in previous benefits, but there is so much to say I had to allow it a separate section. Every Greek organization has a corresponding charity that they fundraise for year-round. There are always philanthropy events occurring, ranging from different activities and volunteering services that give back to the local community. My sorority has its own charity—the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation—that supports and raises money for Juvenile Diabetes. We also host blood drives on campus several times a year, a yoga event called “Downward Dog for Diabetes,” are currently participating in the 21-day challenge (where people give up an unhealthy habit or adopt a healthy behaviour that aims to reduce the onset of diabetes within this time period, and raises funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association), and we are also currently doing the Shoebox Project by collecting and donating funds and items for women in local shelters during the holiday season. Alongside the individual charity events hosted by each organization, Greek members are also known for frequenting local community services such as the Boys and Girls Club, the Ronald McDonald House, the London Food Bank, and many others. We take serious pride in our range of philanthropic endeavours and strive to make a huge impact throughout our collective support and volunteering as a chapter and as a community.
7. Overall Great Way to Enhance your College Experience
Lastly, joining a Greek organization is a once in a lifetime experience that you could not receive anywhere else. Becoming part of a historical legacy is a very unique and enlightening way to get involved at university. There is so much to gain out of your membership and the opportunities along the way, and it’s a great way to feel connected and engaged amidst the stressors of school and work. Like I have mentioned, it is not for everyone, and that is perfectly okay. But next time you criticize or undermine an individual due to their connection to Greek life, push past the stereotypes and negative images and consider how much their organization and its values mean to them and impact their life.