Going Greek

Joining a sorority or fraternity has its benefits

During my freshman year of college, if you asked me if I would ever join a sorority, I would have said absolutely not.

However, that all changed during my sophomore year when I was invited to an ice cream social by a friend (now a sister) who is in the same program as I am. I did not know the girls were in a sorority at first, but I thought they were all very warm and welcoming.

The more I learned about the sorority, the more I became interested in joining. I was already friends with some of the girls who were in it, so I decided I wanted to join.

As I came to know more about the sorority and got to know the girls better, my perception of what a sorority was began to change.

Prior to learning what a sorority stood for, I thought the only purpose of sororities was partying, meeting guys and getting the chance to humiliate and haze girls who wanted to join. Hazing is illegal, by the way.

I was wrong; the media fueled my former opinion. (Whose opinion is not somewhat skewed by the media these days?) A sorority is truly about gaining lifelong friends who become your sisters (brothers if you are a guy and you join a fraternity) philanthropy, community service, volunteering and striving to do better academically.

Being in a sorority helps me focus on my schoolwork. In order to be in a sorority or a fraternity, it is required you maintain a certain grade point average. I had sisters there to help if I struggled in a class.

Another benefit to going Greek is you are guaranteed to have connections in the workforce. If one of your sisters/brothers has graduated before you and is in the same field as you, you will have that professional connection in place. Your chances could increase at getting a job after college.

I am glad I joined the Greek life. I have gained wonderful sisters, been able to partake in great volunteer opportunities, made awesome memories and much more.

If you are interested in joining a sorority/fraternity, you can check each one out individually during recruitment, which is the period when sororities and fraternities begin to add, or “recruit,” new members. Recruitment generally takes place at the beginning of each semester, but it varies with each sorority/fraternity.

I am not saying that Greek life is for everyone, but it certainly enhances and enriches your college experience. If you are looking to meet new people, make lifetime personal connections, excel academically and get involved with Ferris and the community, Greek life may be for you.