Greek life is, in my opinion, the best way to get involved on any campus. As I am sure you’re not surprised to hear a greek life member say, you SHOULD go greek. Greek life is just as much fun as it is rewarding, which, presumably, is why it attracts so many students, especially on my campus. With that being said, there is a lot of stigma around the greek community and rumors spread like wildfire. I will do my best to make this article is not just an ad for why you should go greek, but I want to give anyone considering greek life an honest perspective from the inside.
Myth 1: They Torture New Members
Hazing rumors have been prevalent in the greek community almost as long as its existence. In many cases, what you hear on the streets is old legend. In my experience, hazing of any sort is not tolerated. In some chapters, little games and pranks are played on new members, but hazing really isn’t a serious issue for most srat members. Panhellenic has gotten very strict and serious about the safety of all their members. I don’t want to lie and tell you it never happens, because it does, but you only hear the worst of it and most of the time, they are old, old rumors that don’t happen anymore. I can really only speak from my experience, but based on that and what all my friends have experienced, in my chapter or not, hazing really isn’t a serious issue for pledges anymore.
Myth 2: Everyone is Blonde
There has always been a stigma around greek life that everyone is fit, blonde, and super heavy partiers. Honestly, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The greek community, in my experience, promotes diversity in all aspects. In every chapter, there are people of all different personalities and you will certainly not be alone in any belief, trait, or preference you have.
Myth 3: You Pay to get Invited to Social Events
There is so so much more to greek life than social events with fraternities or sororities. Being in a house is meant to build brotherhood/sisterhood, learn to work as a team and make an impact on your campus. Social events are a great way to meet new people, but it’s just as fun having a low-key night in with your sorority or fraterntiy friends.
Myth 4: You Have to Like Everyone
With any group, there is always going to be people you like and people you don’t. Being part of a house is like being on a very large sports team. You get along and respect each other for the sake of the team, but you don’t hang out or talk outside of events. Also you are not bound to only the girls in your sorority. It is more than encouraged to have friends in other houses. On the same token, not everyone will like you and, again, that’s normal. I truly believe you can find your people in every and any house.
Myth 5: You’re Stuck with it Forever
You truly are allowed to drop your house for any reason and, most of the time, the members of the chapter will remain your friends. Several girls who have dropped my chapter (even before I joined) have made efforts to remain and become friends with girls in our chapter. No one will judge if you change your mind on the greek lifestyle. It is meant to enhance your life, and you have to make the right decisions for yourself.