Column:
Life on this side of Maryland Avenue
Published Oct. 13, 2009
One of the refreshing aspects of leaving high school and beginning college life is the opportunity to shed shallow stereotypes and cliques and live independently. Unfortunately, for those of us in the Greek community, the ignorant labels are still very much prevalent.
Not that I dislike being in a sorority. On the contrary, I very much enjoy all the experiences and opportunities Greek Life has given me. Furthermore, I really love my sorority and believe I made the best choice for me. The only disadvantage of being a part of a Panhellenic organization is how closed-minded some non-Greeks can be. I know there are a ton of rumors and stereotypes surrounding sororities and fraternities, so I will try to clarify as much as I can.
No, we are not buying our friends. Yes, I have made some of my closest friends from my chapter, and I know they are now my family, but that is not because of my monthly dues. We are actually paying money that goes toward the philanthropies we host and participate in (i.e. charity), Homecoming and Greek Week activities, a place to live and organized socials, among other things.
Greek organizations are social organizations, so I would be lying if I said sorority and fraternity members rarely go out. But the socials we arrange and throw have specific precautions, such as transportation, sober monitors and alcohol provided by a third party vendor. As for the barhopping and house partying, I would argue these activities are pursued just as much by non-Greeks, though sororities and fraternities seem to be stereotyped the most.
No, we are not dumb and superficial. In fact, the all-Greek grade point average is higher than the average MU GPA, and most sororities and fraternities have specific programs, such as study hours and grade requirements in order to make sure members are succeeding academically.
I understand Greek Life isn't for everyone, and I do believe you can make genuine friends without having to "pay" for them. But I also believe I would not be the person I am today if I hadn't joined my sorority. It has allowed me to pursue leadership positions I normally wouldn't have attempted, and in return, I have learned valuable lessons, such as time-management and responsibility for a large group of people.
This time of year is especially exciting, though at times extremely stressful. Although it might be hard to understand why organizations would spend so much time and effort for months to construct house decorations made out of tissue paper and plywood or parade around Jesse Hall in crazy costumes to perform skits for one another, the sense of camaraderie and accomplishment at the end of all these events is indescribable.
I know, all of the chanting and herds of people congesting the areas around the quad gets pretty annoying, but please know Homecoming means more to us than house decs and a talent competition. It's about saving lives with the blood drive and collecting canned food for Tigers Taming Hunger. Most importantly, Homecoming means tradition, hard work and giving back to our alumni and community.
So from the outside looking in, it might be hard to comprehend why some people feel the need to be a part of Greek Life, but please, before you judge us, try not to lump us into one giant, drunken, stupid stereotype. After all, I don't call all of you lame GDIs.