The sheer mention of college fraternity and sorority (a.k.a. "Greek") life automatically triggers images of out-of-control Animal House nights in my mind and in the minds of many other Americans. At some point Greeks got stamped with the reputation of being preppy college students living a lifestyle full of power-hour drinking games on Monday nights and sex with no strings attached on the weekends. However true or false this is, for most non-Greeks and non-college students this is the life of a Greek-affiliated student.
As a late Greek bloomer, I didn’t join a sorority until second semester of my freshman year. Therefore, I’ve seen both sides of college life: as a lowly independent, and the high life as a resident of "Greek Row" on campus. How I ended up Greek was not by desire but more out of a weak moment of wanting to uncover the world of sororities.
Not being Greek is like being born in a country outside the US and never traveling outside of its boundaries. By some standards, leaving your home and coming here could be better, and provide you with more opportunities. However, if your home was all you ever knew, why would you necessarily want to move? It isn’t until you start to watch American television shows, see the Western ways, or are perhaps socially suppressed in some way by your own country, that the benefits of America become apparent. America may, ultimately, be no better for you, but it’s the stark differences that make a person curious to find out.
That’s just like Greek life. With bright, Greek lettering adorning t-shirts, and Nike shorts with Sperry Topsiders parading around campus, it’s hard to ignore the Greek students. Once you notice the presence of Greeks it can begin to feel like you’re the only one left out of this mysterious world. Joining a Greek chapter can be the best or worst thing that’s ever happened to you. It’s all a matter of whether you’re willing to try it or not.
As a freshman I was convinced that I was perfectly fine on my opposite continent, also known as the non-Greek community. However, living in a dorm where sorority and fraternity shirts, parties, and social cliques were more than evident, curiosity converted me. I was sucked in, just like that. A second year live-in in my sorority house currently, I’ve seen all the pros and cons of Greek life. For me, the pros continue to outnumber the cons.
Article comments
1 - Greek Guy
I think this is an absolutely fabulous article. As a person that is always promoting Greek Life to future students and parents, I am always looking for a good analogy. Your analogy to living outside of America is brilliant! Well written!