For the Love of Letters

Greek Life. You know, that thing that everyone passes judgment on, that thing that all your non-Greek family, friends and co-workers don't understand. We have all heard the negative stigma about fraternity and sorority life throughout the years. Greek life is no stranger to the public eye. The public has been quick to accuse the Greek system as being unjust, flawed, and unnecessary on college campuses. Unfortunately, what the community doesn't see is the immense amount of positivity that accompanies membership in fraternity and sorority life. Everyone has their opinion about Greek life, but like many other organizations, you can't understand it unles

s you have experienced it.

The majority of opinions and negative comments about fraternity and sorority life come from individuals who were never apart of it. Like many other religious groups, political parties, and societies, one person represents the entire organization. It is easy for people to create preconceived notions based off of one person's actions. For example, one might believe that all Christians are judgmental based off one conversation with a Christian. It is highly unlikely that all Christians have the exact same outlooks and opinions as that one individual. It is unfair to jump to conclusions about every member of that religious orientation. Just as it is unfair to assume that all members of Greek life are irresponsible and reckless. One member's poor choices do not reflect the morals and values of that entire organization. Like Christians, each member of Greek life is diverse and can't be put into a box.

We have all heard the negative stereotypes about Greek life: we are lazy, we use our daddy's money, we pay for our friends, we haze our members, all we care about is partying, we are not focused on school or our futures. These assumptions are offensive. I am a self-sufficient college student. I pay for my rent, my tuition, and my sorority dues. I work full-time and manage to hold leadership positions within my chapter as well as other organizations. I have maintained a 3.6 GPA, and have a balanced social life. I don't own Lilly Pulitzer or walk around in a pair of Jack Rodgers. I work hard, I study harder, and I am passionate about my sorority. Membership into Alpha Delta Pi was the best thing that ever happened to me. It taught me to be a leader, to be confident and humble, to never settle for anything less than I deserve, and that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to. I have gained lifelong friendships and memories.

Being Greek is about more than just wearing the letters. It is about "having a home away from home." It is about becoming apart of something bigger, and striving to become the best version of yourself. It is about philanthropy, and raising money for local charities to aid people in need. It is about leadership, networking, and developing career skills that you can use in the professional world. It teaches you how to work as a team and get along with others. Each fraternity and sorority is founded on a set of values and morals that are set in place to hold its members accountable. Your brothers and sisters are there to encourage you to live by those values. They push you to be the best student, leader and friend. Greek Life has enriched my college experience in every way possible, and for it I am eternally grateful. I am proud to wear my letters. I am proud to be Greek.