Top 5 Reasons to Go Greek!
With the new semester starting up, that means Formal Recruitment is just around the corner! Formal (or Fall) Recruitment is truly an experience for people looking for their forever home and for each of the chapters. Going Greek was one of the best choices I made my freshmen year of college, and here are a few reasons why you should too!
1. Instant Community
If you are shy and it is hard for you to approach new people, like it is for me, going Greek is an easy way to expand your social circle.
You will make friends- and even more so outside of your chapter. You will meet people during the recruitment process, by going to events put on by other Greek organizations, and simply by wearing your letters.
You will be surprised how your letters will introduce you to people you would have otherwise passed on the street.
2. Leadership Opportunities
Greek chapters provide the opportunity to hone and develop leadership skills through office positions. These positions can range from Executive President, to Director of Social Enrichment, to Music Chair. There are different levels of positions so that people are given the opportunity to work up to the Executive Board.
If that is not your cup of tea, chapters also provide opportunities to mentor new members through the big/little program. Having someone who is available to seek advice from and guide you is an asset that can help your transition be a smooth one.
3. Housing Options
If you’re attending a college where Greek life is a prominent part of campus culture, you are likely to have the option of living in mansion-like sorority and fraternity houses. That is if you do not mind living with 40+ people who are just like you.
It is also a great option if you are using financial aid to pay for your schooling. Once you live off campus it is no longer seen as a university expense, and you may not be compensated as such. But hey, living a door down from all of your friends and always having people available for movie marathons is not so bad!
4. Keeping Your Grades Up
Greek Life has got a bad stigma saying that students blow off their studies to party and drink all the time. This is due to media and the way it portrays the nature of the organizations.
Chapters require you to maintain a certain GPA to not be placed on probation. If a member continues to perform poorly academically, their membership may be up for revocation. Question of the day! What is your views on Greek Life?
My chapter had weekly study sessions and they make it easy to meet up with sisters and get work done. It was also a great opportunity to get together with people in your major and get help on your assignments.
5. Networking
Earlier I mentioned making friends and opening up your social circle, but going Greek can also help with networking.
Many times including your Greek affiliation will help your interviewer identify with you over the numerous Greek traditions. It may also have a negative effect (See #4). There are also many alum pages and sites that will help you connect to members in your hometown or while traveling.
If you are proactive you may find sisters or brothers in the professions that you are looking to enter. They can be an amazing resource when looking for internships or general advice on how to get there!
You will hear the phrase "paying for your friends" from anyone who disagrees with Greek Life, but that is not the case. You will get out what you put in. Actively go to events, try to get to know people, and most of all have fun!
© 2017 Candid Miss Ash