Editor’s Note: A shorter version of this column ran in the print edition of The Collegian. It has to be cut because of space considerations in print, but we are publishing the column in its entirety here.

Did you know that since 1825, all but three U.S. presidents have been members of a fraternity?  Or that 85 percent of Fortune 500 executives were part of Greek life? How about that the first female astronaut was Greek? And so was the first female senator. And did you know that college graduation rates are 20% higher among Greeks than non-Greeks? (USA Today) Did you also know that as a nationwide Greek community, we raise over $7 million for philanthropy and that the Greek system is the largest network of volunteers in the US, with members donating over 10 million hours of volunteer service each year? (Hofstra University) To say Greek life is not a big deal is gibberish, because it actually is pretty relevant.

Let me get one thing straight: It IS O.K. if you are not interested in Greek life! We understand that it may not be for everyone. I was hesitant myself before I first signed up for recruitment (literally the day before I might add). I also apologize in advance to anyone who is reading this that may have felt a “cold-shoulder” from someone in Greek Life because you personally are not a member. It’s an embarrassment to us all and to be frank, it is probably not just the fact that they are a Greek Life member that is making them act like that, maybe they were just having a bad day.

With recruitment just coming to a close, I also want to congratulate all of the chapters on their new members, and congratulate the new members for becoming a part of not only an amazing chapter for them, but an amazing Greek community.

In terms of recruitment, yes some of us do complain about recruitment (myself included). Yes, it is time-consuming, and exhausting, but as soon as we’re there at the actual events, we are reminded of why we joined and why we’re there: to show people why we love our chapters and all the amazing things that it can do for you.  We are told by our recruitment chairs to get our homework done earlier in the week so that we are overwhelmed.  Don’t worry everyone, whether we complain about it or not, we brace ourselves for recruitment. We wear all the same outfits, because frankly, it makes it easier for the girls going through recruitment to remember which chapter was which.  It is a lot easier to say “Oh I liked the chapter wearing red, they were nice girls,” rather than “I think I talked to a girl named Tiffany who is also an education major, but I don’t remember what chapter she was in…”  And to be honest, we like looking cute, and it’s a fun opportunity for us to dress up. We lock up our social media because of the fact that it might provide an unfair advantage to one chapter over another when “advertising” themselves prior to recruitment. That’s why Rho Gammas, Panhel, and IFC exist: to give individuals going through recruitment the most unbiased depiction of a chapter so that the individual can decide on his or her own where they feel they belong. 

It’s not about us during recruitment.  Sure we want quality individuals to join our chapters, but at the end of the day, it is all about the men and women going through recruitment.  It is about who they feel the most comfortable with, whose philanthropy they feel the most passionate about, whose values match up with theirs and so on.

Greek life is a lot more than what people make it out to be. It teaches us communication/social interaction skills, leadership skills, time management, how to give back to the community, and much more.

To say that we fill you with this “undue sense of self-importance” is complete nonsense. That self-importance is what makes Greek life, Greek life.  Most Greek chapters were founded 100 or more years ago on the basis of certain morals that those founders shared in common.  Through those morals, they formed traditions that are still carried out today.  Traditions that make us all unique, yet one in the same. We strive to teach members to be a bigger and better version of themselves.  Through the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, we hope to strengthen each other. Ever played a sport?  Wouldn’t you say your teammates are like your brothers or your sisters? They push you to your limits, encourage you to be a leader, help you get back up when you fall?  Members of Greek Life experience the same thing.

Most chapters, if not all of them, require some form of a “100% involvement” contract which pushes members of Greek to be a part of other groups and organizations on campus. All chapters complete this with flying colors as being members of Student Senate, having on-campus jobs, playing a Varsity sport, Religious Life, Academic Honoraria, community service organizations, the list goes on. We don’t just do Greek-related things or hang out with Greek people only; we’re highly encouraged to become involved outside of our chapters.

You don’t pay for your friends, well I mean you kind of do, but not in the way you think.  Your dues as a chapter member go to a variety of things:  your National Membership dues to your headquarters, social events, t-shirts, budgets for positions within the chapter to facilitate, a housing payment to keep your suites/houses clean, and the list goes on.  Not one treasurer as the phrase “friends” listed on the Excel Chapter Budget list.

We don’t overpower are members.  Members get what they put into it.  If you join and decide to take a position, get to know all your brothers/sisters really well, etc. then you are going to have a great experience as a member of Greek Life.  But if you don’t get involved after you join because you thought it was like what you see on “House Bunny” or “American Pie” then you’re going to have a poor time, and then bash us on how awful and demanding we are. The most mandatory event that members are required to go to are weekly chapter meetings, which like any other meeting, informs and educates our members about what is going on within the chapter both locally and nationally. Most chapters provide ways for members to give an excuse as to why they cannot attend an event including work, family emergency, and major exams. So in essence, nothing is ever mandatory. We understand that life hits us with so many different things, and to put all your eggs in one basket is not feasible. But if you end up being the person that doesn’t go to any meetings, or attend any events, then what is the fun in that? In that case, you’re just wasting your time and money.

Surprisingly Greek Life can matter after you graduate, and it is all about how you market it to your future employer. Held a position in your chapter? Great, that means that you were able to carry a heavy responsibility while still managing your school work and any other organizations you may be a part of. I have held two different positions in my chapter, one of them being an executive position. During both my terms in those positions (a total of 4 semesters), I was on Dean’s List for all of them. I also have an on campus job, I am a member of Student Senate, an Ashbrook, I write for the Collegian, and I volunteer frequently for St. Jude’s.  Yes, I am a busy lady, and I am not trying to rub into anyone’s face that Greek Life has made me become this active on campus.  It has however taught me that through dedication, perseverance, time management, and a little faith, that I can do anything. My 4 years in Greek Life have provided me so much growth and strength, some amazing friendships, great networking, and so much more.

I respect anyone that admits that Greek Life is not for them. Find your mission here at AU, and fill it with passion. Maybe it is Greek Life, may be it is not. In the end, you are entitled to your opinion and your own interests and I am entitled to mine, fair and square.  I will say that I will not respect anyone who judges us without getting to know us, anyone who believes that we are a lame Greek Life because we don’t throw parties, and anyone who believes our stereotypes reflect us. Sure you may have one bad seed, but one bad apple doesn’t ruin the whole basket. The media and entertainment business has completely botched us a community, so to say that we receive this crazy on campus “support” is an invalid statement.  We are constantly having to prove to everyone on campus that we aren’t like what you see on TV and we don’t reflect poor judgment.  The complete debasement of who we are as an organization is unfair and must be addressed. All that we are trying to do is live up to the values and standards of our founding members. I am proud to be a sorority woman and I wouldn’t change my decision to go Greek for anything.  While I shouldn’t have to prove to anyone about why Greek Life means so much to me, it’s prudent that I share with anyone willing to listen about why they shouldn’t judge a book by its cover or an organization by its members.